In the early 1890's, Father DeRuyter of the St. Joseph's Society of Sacred Heart sought to expand the capability of the Wilmington day house, which served the needs of African American children from local metropolitan areas. He solicited funding to build a Catholic industrial school to offer a structured environment where boys could learn vocational skills as they developed into men. According to the original deed; "the premises were purchased with moneys belonging to and advanced by [future Saint] Katherine M. Drexel."

Eventually, many of the 400 acres of the campus were occupied by the buildings associated with the educational and religious life at the campus, with several laid out in a horseshoe shape around the chapel. The school instructed as many as 70-80 children per year, up until the early 1970's when the social climate changed and other programs supplanted the need.

St. Joseph’s Church was built in 1896, and served as the spiritual center of the Industrial School, as well as being the Catholic Parish church from 1920 to 1968. The church is centrally located on the St. Joseph’s campus, containing a spacious sanctuary, basilica, choir loft, and 52 beautiful stained glass windows.  Following an architect’s study, a project is underway for full restoration. Structurally, the chapel is sound and stands as a jewel of architectural and historical significance.

The former St. Joseph’s Industrial School was formally inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, including approximately ten acres of buildings and grounds. The National Register of Historic Places in the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. St. Joseph’s was cited for its historical importance as an education institution for young African American men during the time of segregation, with equal importance placed on the architectural significance of the Chapel.

To read the full background on St. Joseph’s and the National Register, click here.