Venerable Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli (“The Apostle of the Upper Midwest”) built a wood frame church in Benton in 1845, it was named St. James. That church soon became too small for the growing congregation and Fr. Mazzuchelli set about designing a limestone church, of which they would build 3 walls around the wooden structure so that services could continue, and when they were completed they dismantled the wooden structure and took it across the street to what now is the village park, and that became the beginning of St. Clara’s Female Academy. The new church was ready for use in 1852 and was consecrated it is believed by Bishop Henni, Milwaukee in 1854. 

Our Lady of Sorrows chapel was added to the church in 1896, under the direction of Rev. J.C. Bergen, pastor of St. Patrick’s church. It was built as a great convenience in Winter, as it would save heating the main church for daily services. A handsome new coal stove, costing $45.00, was donated by Mrs. Mary Carr. Today the chapel is home to the original altar designed and used by Fr. Mazzuchelli for the present limestone church. 

The exterior of St. Patrick church remained the same until 1922 when a generous donation by the George Grotkin family helped build the current entrance and belfry. The interior was renovated in 1969. A new front altar was added, 4 new furnaces and fans were placed. Msgr. John DeRocher was pastor at the time of the renovation.

Over the years we have had 3 rectories. The first built for Fr. Mazzuchelli, who lived the last 15 years of his life in Benton. That being the only real “home” he had in his years as pastor, missionary, teacher and builder of churches, schools and civic buildings. A second rectory with full length porches on the first and second floors was built and used until about 1911.  It was moved to another site and in 1912 the present rectory was built.

A parish hall was built in 1962 which continues to serve the parish and community in many ways. There was a small library in the hall originally dedicated to Rev.Joseph Haugh, pastor at the time. We now enjoy much diversity in the events held there.