The Founding of St. Boniface Parish

St. Boniface was founded by German immigrants in 1845.  It was one of the first eighteen parishes in the state of Wisconsin and is the oldest parish in Washington County.  Our founding pastor was Fr. Heiss, who later became Bishop of Milwaukee.  Fr. Joseph Salzman was the first resident pastor and moved us to our present location on Goldendale Road. He had three students studying for priesthood while he served southern Washington County. They were ordained in 1849 for the Milwaukee Diocese. Fr. Paul Huber built the first stone church on our property and then the three of them went on to build St. Francis Seminary. Thus we feel very proud of our pioneer priests and members.

There was an attempt to found a parish school in 1868. The nuns who served us were asked to move to LaCrosse and were not replaced. In 1889 a school building was erected and in 1890 the School Sisters of St. Francis came to teach. At that point we were a well-established parish.

The Fire and Rebuilding

After the Second World War, a new school, convent and church were built on the property.   Then on March 4, 1954 fire destroyed the St. Boniface church.  The new church was completed in 1955.

Today - Vibrant and Growing

The Village of Germantown began to expand at a more rapid rate in the 1990's. It was apparent that we needed more classrooms and a larger worship space. Our Parish Center and Boniface Hall provided those resources.

We are presently a parish of 1,260 families with approximately 4,400 members. We pride ourselves on being helpful to our members and the larger community. In addition, we have a sister parish in Ghana, West Africa. Our staff, school and council direct the many ministries of our parish. We strive to have a spirit of hospitality and service of people in need.

St. Boniface History

Click on the picture to the right to access the website of Donald Schulteis who has compiled and maintained an extensive history of St. Boniface Parish.