St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Boyd is looking to get some much needed updates.
Built in the late 1920s on Boyd’s Patten Street, the brick church now approaching 100 years old is due for some new front steps, along with electrical wiring.
To that end the church is launching a centennial campaign, the $1.6 million project requiring $800,000 to get started, with an additional $800,000 to be secured through five year pledges. Timed to coincide with the Patten Street rebuild, the new project follows several other improvements to the parish over the years, including improvements to all three churches and a revived parish school. Funds raised through the previous “Inspired by the Spirit” campaign have been impacted by things like increased costs due to inflation, an unplanned pipe replacement, and kitchen upgrades required by the state. Proceeds from ongoing parish bingo are being used towards paying down remaining costs from All Saints Parish Hall renovations.
Father William Felix has committed to a five year pastorate at All Saints to see the renovations through at Boyd, making a project donation of his own to the St. Joseph project. Those 70 and over can use an IRA contribution to make use of tax benefits.
As to its main details, the St. Joseph Centennial Campaign project involves the demolition of the main existing staircase to accommodate the addition of the new entrance, with new masonry structure thoughtfully designed to complement the existing historic building.
The new entrance will be constructed at the same grade as the exterior sidewalk, providing easy entrance for all parishioners. Upon entrance visitors will encounter a split-level staircase and an elevator, with convenient access to both sanctuary and church basement. The staircase location inside will eliminate the hazardous conditions that are currently present with the existing entrance. In addition to the entrance improvements, the project will include significant electrical upgrades to modernize the building’s electrical distribution system and bring it into compliance with current codes and standards.
Father Felix shared more in a recent letter on the project:

“Dear Parishioners, Friends, and Benefactors,
“Ten years ago, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Boyd, WI, was lovingly and beautifully restored to its original splendor, just as it stood when first built in 1928–1929—nearly 100 years ago. As many of you know, however, the steps leading to the main entrance have significantly deteriorated and now pose a serious safety hazard. Additionally, accessibility has long been a challenge, especially for the elderly and physically handicapped. If our beloved church has one flaw, it is this lack of accessibility.
“After thoughtful discussion and prayerful consideration, our parish pastoral and finance councils have unanimously agreed to construct a new addition at the front of the church. This project will serve a dual purpose: to enclose the front steps, protecting them from Wisconsin’s harsh elements, and to provide a proper elevator that will offer access to both the main floor of the church and the church basement.
“We are pleased to announce that final architectural plans for this addition are now complete, and Bishop Battersby has given us his blessing to launch a capital campaign in support of this urgent and necessary project. The images included show the current condition of the steps and renderings of the proposed addition.
The total estimated cost for the project is $1.6 million. In order to move forward, Bishop Battersby has stipulated that we must raise 50% of the total—$800,000—in cash, and the remaining $800,000 in secured pledges (over five years) before we can apply for a construction loan. This is a significant challenge, especially as we hope to break ground in Spring 2026.
“There are two major reasons for this urgency:
“The Village of Boyd is planning a complete reconstruction of Patten Street—the street directly in front of our church—beginning in Spring 2026. This includes new storm and sanitary sewers, street widening, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Aligning our construction timeline with the village’s plans would allow us to seamlessly integrate our project with these public improvements.
“We are preparing for a historic event: the Centennial Celebration of St. Joseph Church, which will take place from Christmas 2028 through May 30, 2029. Historical records show the first Mass in our church was celebrated on Christmas Eve, 1928, and the church was formally dedicated on May 30, 1929.
“If this goal seems daunting, consider this: in 1928, the people of Boyd moved the original wooden church—using 40 horses—to make room for the current structure. By that same Christmas, the first Mass was celebrated in the new church. The stained glass windows were paid for by July 1929. Then came Black Thursday, October 24, 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. Yet, through faith, sacrifice, and determination, the community completed the church—all “for the greater honor and glory of God.”
“We now face a similar moment of faith and commitment. Please join us in our efforts to honor and preserve our spiritual home by contributing to this important project. COMMITMENT SUNDAY will take place the weekend of November 15-16, 2025.
“There are many ways to give, depending on your circumstances. I invite you to prayerfully consider making a sacrificial gift or pledge. Please fill out the enclosed pledge form and return it in a sealed envelope in the Sunday collection or to our parish office by Commitment Sunday. The Giving Plans to Consider are only suggestions to help you weigh your financial ability for a five-year pledge. If you have any questions or would like to discuss giving options, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
“Let us join in prayer, seeking the intercession of St. Joseph to bless our efforts and bring this project to completion.
“Fr. William P. FelixPastor, All Saints Parish (Cadott, Stanley, Boyd)”