History of the Catholic Church in Wheeling, West Virginia.
The first Catholic church in the Diocese was erected in 1821 at the corner of Eleventh and Chapline Streets in Wheeling. It is built on a lot donated by Noah Zane and named in honor of St. James. In 1825, St. John Parish (later known as St. Joseph) in Martinsburg established, with Rev. John B. Gildea, first pastor. Harpers Ferry, a mission. Property for church at Martinsburg bought in 1802. Church seems to have been completed under Rev. Richard V. Whelan about 1836 when he transferred his residence from Harpers Ferry to Martinsburg. Fr. Whelan later became second Bishop of Richmond and first Bishop of Wheeling. Rev. John J. Kain, native of Martinsburg and pastor of Harpers Ferry, became second Bishop of Wheeling.
The city has experienced tremendous growth in the last 20 years, partly due to its location along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains as well as its mild climate and breathtaking scenery.
Catholic Churches and places of interest in Wheeling, West Virginia:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church
