Just below, you will find an extended history of our parish of St. Joseph's here in Bowmanville. What is always clear in reading such a history is the knowledge that we are who we are because of the traditions and values of our parents and grandparents and a whole history of people who sought a world rich in gospel values, who had a faith tradition that gave their lives meaning and value and holiness. The history of our parish of St. Joseph's takes us back to 1850 when Fr. Michel Timlin came from St. Michael's Parish in Cobourg to celebrate Mass in people's homes. A church was built on the north side of Church Street, west of Division in 1867 and in 1958, the first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve in our present church here on Liberty Street. more... See more text