The first Catholic Church in Tipton was a log structure where the church cemetery is now located. The land for the church and cemetery was donated by the children of Andreas Bestgen Sr. The church was named "St. Andrew" in honor of their father who had died in Germany in 1840.

Later a frame church was built in Tipton. The present Gothic style church was built in 1884, followed by the first rectory built to the east of the church in 1886.

A combination school and convent was built just west of the church in 1890. From its beginning through the 1975-76 school year religious Sisters taught in the school. Kueper Center and a new school built east of the rectory opened in September 1940 with 118 students. In 1952 the old school and convent were razed and the present rectory built on this site.

The placing of side entrances in the church was in 1953. A pipe organ served the church for 60 years until 1956 when an electric organ was installed. Extensive remodeling was done at this time in preparation for the parish centennial in 1957. In 1968 St. Andrew's was remodeled with the high front and side altars being removed.

Father Francis Kueper was pastor of St. Andrew's 52 years, from 1877 until 1929. Other pastors serving for long periods were Father John Metzdorf for nine years and Father Herman Breit for over 20 years. The present pastor, Father Bernard J. Mullen came in 1973.

Seven young men of St. Andrew's parish have been ordained priests. Thirty-three young women have entered the convent.

During the 1975-76 year, 128 students were enrolled in the school: 15 of these were in the eighth grade and 10 were first graders. The current membership of the parish is 400 families containing 1,100 souls.

The oldest existing parish organization is the Altar Society, which was organized in 1877.

Tipton Council 1360 Knights of Columbus was organized in November of 1908. P.C. Flood was the first Grant Knight.

In 1920 the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus was organized in Tipton. P.C. Flood was the first Faithful Navigator.

Our Lady's Circle 222 Daughters of Isabella was organized July 2, 1922. Mrs. Will J. Schmidt was the first Regent.

Other parish organizations in existence today are: the church committee, St. Andrew's Youth, the ushers club and the school board.