A historic parish in rural Wisconsin suffered heavy damage amid severe weather in the area on April 14, when severe storms and possibly a tornado destroyed the roof of a church building.
About half of the roof of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in East Bristol was destroyed during the weather event. Photographs showed large sections of the parish roof being torn off, exposing the church’s attic and the roofs below.
The roof of St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Bristol, Wisconsin is largely destroyed after a severe storm hit the area on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Credit: Bill Ringelstetter
The region has seen severe storm surges, including high winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes over several nights.
Local news reports stated that a tornado was reported in the East Bristol area just after midnight on April 14. There were tornado warnings in the area at the time the parish’s roof was destroyed, although it was unclear whether the tornado was responsible for the destruction.
St. Joseph Catholic Church is seen in east Bristol, Wisconsin, with its roof largely destroyed after a severe storm hit the area on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Credit: Bill Ringelstetter
The parish did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the damage. on the parish’s Facebook pageMeanwhile, a post claimed that a tornado had hit the church. Images showed destruction inside the church including a pile of insulation near the altar and a lighting fixture in a pew.
A list at the Wisconsin Historical Society The website says the parish was completed in 1890 and designed by local Swiss-American architect Henry Mesmer.
Built in the Early Gothic Revival manner, the building has undergone several alterations in the nearly 130 years since construction, including in 1965 and 2024.
The parish is part of the Diocese of Madison. A press release from the diocese Said the diocesan Office of Buildings, Construction and Real Estate was responding to the incident along with insurer Catholic Mutual Group.
“St. Joseph’s Church has served generations of Catholics in northeastern Dane County, and we are saddened by the destruction,” the diocese said. “We ask for your prayers as we assess the damage.”
