Built 1886 - 1887

In 1886, the pastor and people found it possible to go ahead with the building of the new church.  About $2,400.00 was raised for this purpose, and building operations got under way.  On the 15th of August, Father Anastasius solemnly blessed the cornerstone of the new building.  Fathers Maurus and Godhard, O.F.M. Cap., assisted at the service.  By Christmas, the church was completed, except for the installation of the windows.  The style of the new building was Roman.  It was 72 feet long, 32 feet wide and 21 feet high.  A two story addition, 26 feet by 16 feet was added to the east side of the church.  Later a side chapel in honor of the Blessed Mother was added.  On March 6, 1887, Father Anastasius was delegated by the Bishop to dedicate the new church and open it for services.  The Rt. Rev. Louis Fink, Bishop of Leavenworth, came to Hays in September, and on the 4th of that month he solemnly consecrated the new St. Joseph's church.  The parish numbered about sixty families.  Father Martin Muelders, O.F.M. Cap., was pastor at that time.

In the year 1889, two lots (2-4, Block 17) were bought from John Leahy for $350.00.  Another (Lot 11, Block 18) was bought from Elisa Williams for $550; and still another (Lot 9, Block 18) from Samuel B. Reed for $350.00.  The title to all this real estate was placed in the name of the Rt. Rev. Richard Scannell, D.D., the first Bishop of Concordia, Kansas.