St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lyons, was founded in 1870 with the help of Rev. Benedict Smedding of Lake Geneva. A 32 x 48 foot church building and a lean-to rectory 10 x 24 feet, were built. In 1880 a 70 foot steeple was added, and a bell bought from St. Mary's of Burlington. (St. Joseph's Centennial booklet, 1970)