The Capuchin Province of St. Augustine was growing in number.  It was then possible to send greater numbers of priests into Kansas to provide abundant service to the people.  The parish at Hays was also growing, and an assistant pastor was necessary.  The monastery acquired in 1893 was old and unsafe.  The Capuchin Superiors decided in 1879 to build a substantial building that should serve as a friary or monastery.  For this purpose, they bought ten cords of native stone from the County Clerk in November, 1897.  Some weeks later the Capuchins also bought the flour mill of Andreas Meier and had the stones hauled to the location of the monastery.  Parishioners aided by hauling the material, but the total expense of the building operations was borne by the Capuchins.

In January, 1898, the foundation was dug.  Work progressed so fast that on March 25th, the corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies by the Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Anthony, O.F.M. Cap., the Minister Provincial of the Capuchins.  By September of that year, the building was complete and ready for occupation. On September 25th, the new building was opened for general inspection.  The next day the friars moved into their new quarters, and the monastic enclosure was established.  The new building was 72 feet long, 40 feet wide and two stories high.  The third story was added in 1915.  The cost of the original building was about $5,675.00.  While the monastery was being built, the lot east of the monastery property was bought by the Capuchins.

June 19th, 1898, saw a unique celebration in St. Joseph's Church.  Fr. Fidelis Meier, O.F.M. Cap., son of Andreas Meier of Hays celebrated his first solemn Mass.  He was the first son of the parish to reach this goal.  The little church was filled to overflowing, and the aisles were so packed that the "Asperges" was given from the altar rail.  Fr. Fidelis became one of the outstanding members of St. Augustine's Province.  He died suddenly December 8, 1938.  He is one of the few friars buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Towards the end of 1898, it was found imperative to purchase additional ground for the cemetery.  Accordingly, three acres adjoining the cemetery were bought on December 12, 1898.  Title for the new holdings was placed in the name of the Bishop of Concordia. The custom of the people going to the cemetery in procession on All Souls Day was introduced in November, 1900.