Built between 1907 and 1908, only four years after the young town of Sandpoint relocated to the west side of Sand Creek, St. Joseph’s was constructed for the community’s small Catholic parish. Simply designed with Gothic Revival elements, the brick structure boasts Gothic-arched windows and doors, buttresses, and a bull’s eye window in the gable end. As the congregation grew, so did the building. An entry vestibule was constructed sided first in clapboard and later in brick. Additions in the 1960s enlarged the sanctuary and provided a rectory and social hall.
By 2011 when the century-old parish relocated to a new property, the original church had seen several additional alterations. Under the new ownership of Mark and Susie Kubiak the church was renovated for use as a special event center. Later alterations to the historic facade were reversed, while on the interior the later choir loft was removed and the simplicity of the original space was returned. Later additions were updated for improved use while the features of the historic chapel were enhanced.
This 1908 church served Sandpoint’s catholic community for over a century. Its tasteful renovation as an event center will allow this sacred space to shine while it continues to serve its community.
Preservation Idaho is glad to recognize this project with a 2015 Orchid for Contribution to Historic Preservation.