In 1943, St. Joseph’s at Glenarden reached a milestone in its history. The Archbishop of Baltimore approved the appointment by Josephite superiors of the first resident pastor, the Reverend William J. Reichmeyer, S.S.J. The parish had now developed to the extent that it could support its own pastor and under his administration the parish flourished more than ever. Parish organizations included the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, the Junior and Senior Holy Name Societies, the Children of Mary, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Knights of St. John and its auxiliary organizations.
In 1945 Father Reichmeyer, S.S.J. was forced to retire because of ill health. He was succeeded by the Reverend Chester C. Ball, S.S.J. As the parish continued to grow so also its spiritual program continued to develop. The Forty Hours Devotion was celebrated each year and Solemn Masses were offered on major feasts. The Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was inaugurated as was the Perpetual Novena to the Infant of Prague. Each May the colorful May procession honoring the Blessed Virgin was conducted on the church grounds. The spiritual program of the parish also included the religious instruction of the young and the undertaking of this was the Oblate Sisters of Providence who conducted catechetical instructions for children from grades one through twelve.
During the pastorate of Father Ball, another milestone was realized in 1947 when St. Joseph Church celebrated its silver anniversary. A Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving was offered by the Most Reverend Lawrence J. Shehan, D.D. Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore and Washington. The Archpriest was the Very Reverend Edward V. Casserly, S.S.J. Superior General of the Josephite Fathers. A large number of clergy, parishioners, and friends attended the Mass. The Church Choir provided a special jubilee music program.