05/28/2026
What an incredible day of discovery!
Last week, several Guild members took an excursion through the Wendel/Simpson area to explore the former site of St. Joseph Church and map out a potential future pilgrimage route connected to Father Carroll’s mission work.
Along the way, the group was led to local resident Steve Burnside, whose family owns the property where St. Joseph Church once stood. Through this unexpected connection, historic photographs, stories, and records tied to the church, the Wendel community, and Father Carroll’s ministry were uncovered.
Among the discoveries were:
• Historic photos of St. Joseph Church and the surrounding area
• A fascinating historical society rendering of both St. Joseph in Wendel and St. Mary’s in Rosemont
• Written accounts confirming stories passed down about Father Carroll and the missions
• Attendance records dating back to the 1920s
We also learned that Geneva Phelps, who documented the Wendel story, passed away in 2012. The Guild would love to connect with anyone from the Taylor County Historical Society — or anyone else — who may have memories, records, photos, or additional information related to Geneva Phelps, these churches, or Father Carroll himself.
These moments remind us how much history is still waiting to be uncovered and preserved.
Thank you to everyone involved in helping preserve and share the legacy of Father Carroll. What a blessing this journey continues to be.