Prior to the final expansion, Fr. DeVries, on leave, had spent the years 1875-1877 in Europe. During this time, the Gothic Revival period of the nineteenth century was culminating with the completion of the 14th century Cathedral of Cologne. This may account for why he enlarged St. Joseph in the Gothic style, keeping with international tastes. Altars, confessionals, canopied statuary, and stained glass windows were imported from Germany. A handsome, curving communion rail made of native hardwoods separated the sanctuary from the nave of the church. Reliefs of the Stations of the Cross and the ornate Baptismal Font have been in the church since 1889. Fr. DeVries died three months after the consecration of his “miniature Cologne.” In deference to his wishes, he was buried in a vault under the main altar. A marble slab on the sanctuary wall marks his resting place. His beloved church became his monument and his tomb.

The second pastor, Rev. Thomas J. Hayes, served the parish 54 years. An Irishman and fine musician, his first legacy was the installation in 1898 of the Grand Organ, built by Lyon & Healy of Chicago. This “tubular pneumatic” organ had eighteen ranks of pipes, and a case of white quarter-oak with wood carved angel trumpeters on pedestals high above the console. The choir formed and nurtured by Fr. Hayes was renowned in the Diocese of Louisville for its excellence. Fresco artwork added in 1903 was an exuberant interpretation of the Gothic style of decorating all interior members to the utmost — the apse ceiling filled with Rubens-like angelic hosts in clouds of glory and the ribs entwined with garlands of roses. The well-known Louisville artists Charles and Guido Leber did the original

artwork, and members of the same family were involved each of the three times the church was renovated and the frescoes simplified until the redecoration in 1986 which was painted by L. Sylvester of Bloomington, Illinois.

In 1937 the Diocese of Owensboro was created. Fr. Hayes was the oldest priest in the diocese and was made a Domestic Prelate (a monsignor) by Pope Pius XI in 1938. He retired in 1943 and died March 19, 1946. His successor, Rev. Joseph Spalding, was pastor for only 4 years before dying in an automobile accident. His mark on the church was made deeply in the hearts of his parishioners. Rev. Charles Patrick Bowling was the fourth pastor (1947-1971) in the parish’s first century. In preparation for the centennial celebration in 1959, the church’s interior was redecorated with some additions, and changes were made to the frescoed walls and ceiling. The 1898 vintage organ was electrified by the Wicks Organ Company.

The original Gothic wood carved pulpit that had been attached high on the front right column was removed for safety reasons. Fr. Bowling guided St. Joseph through the first liturgical changes made by Vatican II and also the transition period when the parish was divided and Holy Spirit Catholic Church was built. St. Joseph became the “mother church” in Bowling Green. It is still held dear in the hearts of its former parishioners and succeeding pastors.