On May 9, 1841, Bp. De la Hallandiere gave permission to build the first Catholic chapel at St. Joe Town. After a post office was established, the town was named St. Leon. The first chapel, made of logs, stood where the crucifix now stands in the cemetery, and the first school, also a log house, was used for Mass. Most early parishioners were German immigrants, and when a priest was unavailable, the faithful walked 6-7 miles carrying small children to neighboring churches to attend Mass. The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1859. This 120’ x 58’ building originally had a steeple 120’ high. Its tower bells are Joseph, tone A, 580 lbs.; Mary, tone C, 577 lbs.; Gabriel, tone E, 342 lbs.; and Anna, tone A, 196 lbs. The church was consecrated Sept. 8, 1897, by Bp. Chatard, and Fr. Adam Feigen built the third and present rectory between 1896-1902.