The new owners of historic St. Joseph’s Windish/Slovenian Catholic Church located in the heart of Southside Bethlehem, are raising funds to repair the building’s 108-year-old slate roof so that the beautiful traditional interior of the church may be saved from further damage, caused by leaks and water intrusion. Other repairs and improvements are also required to allow the church building to be freely opened to the public.

The Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem aims to restore and preserve the church – with its twin towers, a Southside landmark at 413 East Fifth St. – and preserve the heritage it represents of historically important ethnic immigrations to Bethlehem in the early 20th century. As more and more ethnic churches are closed, de-sanctified, stripped of sacred artifacts, and sold on the open market, it is important to recognize the need to preserve some of this history and heritage for future generations.

Regular long-term maintenance and normal use of the historic building was halted in 2008, when the Diocese of Allentown closed St. Joseph’s Parish. However, in 2024, by agreeing to sell the church to a group of former parishioners and maintaining the church as a chapel within the Catholic diocese, the Diocese and the Society provided a new lease on life for St. Joseph’s Church. Unfortunately, a city building inspection, a requirement of the sale of the property, found many code deficiencies, and the certificate of occupancy was denied.

Not to be deterred, after obtaining work estimates and proposals, the society developed a budget to address the roof and other repairs required to bring the church building up to code. The budget of $225,000 includes $100,000 for roof repairs, the most urgent need. In November, SSJB put out an appeal to its community of supporters to raise the funds. So far approximately $70,000 has been raised, but the nonprofit is now seeking public support for its St. Joseph Church Roof and Repair Project.

Actor and Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck supports the society’s efforts.

“It’s important, folks, look, it’s important, come on … every time a chapel disappears, so does a piece of our heritage,” he said in a video published on the nonprofit’s Facebook page. “So let’s keep our heritage alive. Friends, trust me on this. We can’t let this go away. Please help these good people keep this church alive and standing and part of our community.”

Donations to the St. Joseph Church Roof and Repair Project may be made online at: ssjb.charityproud.org/Donate/MiniCampaign/34668 or gifts may be mailed to the Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem, P.O. Box 1367, Bethlehem, PA 18016

For more information about the SSJB, visit the Society’s Facebook page.

For more information about the Roof and Repair Project, or for any questions, please contact: Paula Kydoniefs, Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem president, at ssjb.email@gmail.com or 504-258- 6018

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