Beech Bottom Community Christian Church was begun December 1920. Services were held in the School House at Stop 45. On Sunday June 20, 1926 the present church was dedicated. The first official board was: W.B. Taylor, J.E. Wallace, F.G. Barber. Chairman of Committees were: Spiritual Welfare, Mrs. C.B. Schaeffer; Religious Education, N.J. Fryer; Finance, F.G. Barber; House, Charles Munday; Community Betterment, I.J. Ratcliffe; Music, Mrs. I.J. Ratcliffe; Ushers, William Pasco. The Village of Beech Bottom was owned by the Wheeling Steel Corporation. All the homes were rented property. Wheeling Steel donated the land to the Church Board when this church was built. The people who lived here in the Village, if they were of the Protestant Faith, attended this "community" church. Those of the Catholic Faith attended services at the Holy Family Church located down in the Village of Power, WV.
BEECH BOTTOM CHURCH HISTORY
Taken from a Church Bulletin dated May 28, 1944- Pentecost
Sunday. Rev. Earle H. Biddle Minister.
This was the "Burning of the Mortgage" Sunday.
Taken from a Church Bulletin dated May 28, 1944- Pentecost
Sunday. Rev. Earle H. Biddle Minister.
This was the "Burning of the Mortgage" Sunday.
Religious services were held at Beech Bottom before the villages of Power or Beech Bottom were built. During the pastorate of Francis M. Biddle, father of the present minister, at Wellsburg, he came down every Sunday afternoon, during 1912-1914, for Bible School and preaching service.
The first organized work in Beech Bottom community, however, was a cooperative venture begun in December 1920. On the 16th of that month "a community meeting was called for the purpose of arranging for regular church service in this community each Sunday". A permanent board of officers was elected at that meeting, of which Herman Zimmerman was president. Rev. Van Camp was secured to preach for them and services were held in the school house until June of that year. On June 16, the congregation voted to discontinue services during July and August and evidently they were never resumed. The minutes were finally turned over to the Community Christian Church.
The next record we find is that "Mr. E.W. Gordon, a disciple living at Bethany, W.VA. was superintendent of a community Sunday School meeting in an unused school house at Beech Bottom". Mr. Gordon wrote to John R. Clark, secretary of the W.VA. Christian Missionary Society, suggesting the possibility of establishing a church here. Mr. Clark visited the field and recommended to the State Board that they make an effort to secure a lot from the Whitaker-Glessner Steel Co., (now the Wheeling Steel Corp.) and start a church here.
The Board appointed W.H. Fields, minister of the First Christian Church, Wheeling, to interview the mill officials. His report was that the mill had refused all others, not wishing a multiplicity of churches in the community. Mr. Clark then approached one of the officials and so presented the program of the Christian Church as fitted for community application, that he was given the promise of a lot for the church, and the assurance that no other denomination would be allowed to enter the community until an enlarged population would justify it. Mr. Clark presented this report to the State Board and a committee was appointed, consisting of W.G. Fields, Wheeling-W. E. Pierce, Cameron-and W.B. Taylor, formerly of Bethany College, to oversee the erection of a suitable church building. Appropriations were secured from the United Christian Missionary Society of the Christian Church, and a loan was promised by the Board of Church Extension. The church at Wheeling W.VA. was generous enough to mortgage its own property to secure this loan. The present beautiful and commodious building was finally completed at a total cost of $68,950.58, about $10,000 of which was donated in labor and supplies, and was dedicated June 20, 1926.
"The first meeting of the official Board of the Beech Bottom Christian Community Church (later changed to Community Christian) was held Sunday afternoon, Sept 12, 1926 with Rev. W.B. Taylor, as minister, presiding. At that time the organization seems fairly well under way. In January 1927 Rev Taylor assisted by Sheldon Conard of Kendallville, Ind. held an evangelistic meeting, during which 184 people, representing 14 different denominations and six states, signified their desire to be affiliated with the church.
Rev. Taylor's ministry terminated in September 1927, and the work was taken up by Rev. L.E. Lee, who continued as pastor until the summer of 1929, when Rev. W.D. VanVoorhis was called to succeed him. This ministry continued until January 1937 and altho handicapped by failing health and the heavy building debt, yet was a very happy one. During this ministry, the entire building was redecorated in the summer of 1935, the work being donated by members of the church and community. In June a call was extended to Rev. Percy B. Kohl, who accepted and began his work as minister, Aug 1, 1937. Rev. Kohl's ministry ended Dec 1943 and he was succeeded by Rev. Earle H. Biddle, the present pastor who came from the Oakley-Hyde Park Christian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Various efforts had been made during this time to reduce the debt on the church, but none were outstanding successful. The services of Mr. Geo. Snively was secured in April 1928 to canvas the church of W.VA. and friends from out of the state. In 1937 Beech Bottom Commission was appointed by the W.VA. State Board of Christian Churches, for the purpose of pushing the payment of the debt. But collections languished until 1940, at which time a determined effort was launched to effectively reduce the debt which at that time amounted to $42,689.81. The Board of Church Extension agreed to reduce their claim from $40,919.81 to $16,065.97. Thru the efforts of the Commission substantial amounts were raised thru the state; gifts were secured from the Wheeling Steel Corporation and the West Penn Power Company, and the remaining part of the debt was assumed by the Beech Bottom congregation. The entire amount was finally paid May 7, 1944.
The Church at the present is in an unusually encouraging condition. The budget for 1944 being met by the weekly giving of the members. Attendance has steadily risen until it averages one hundred and twenty five at the church service. Two fine choirs, Junior and Senior, are being maintained under the direction of the pastor E.H. Biddle, and 51 new members have been received into the membership of the church since his coming. All organizations of the church are in an active and prosperous condition. Missionary giving this past year has reached an all time high. A total of 73 members or close relative of the church are in the military service at present and the church tries to keep in touch with them. The people of Power are warmly cooperating in the work of the church, and altogether a very optimistic spirit prevails among all the members.
The first organized work in Beech Bottom community, however, was a cooperative venture begun in December 1920. On the 16th of that month "a community meeting was called for the purpose of arranging for regular church service in this community each Sunday". A permanent board of officers was elected at that meeting, of which Herman Zimmerman was president. Rev. Van Camp was secured to preach for them and services were held in the school house until June of that year. On June 16, the congregation voted to discontinue services during July and August and evidently they were never resumed. The minutes were finally turned over to the Community Christian Church.
The next record we find is that "Mr. E.W. Gordon, a disciple living at Bethany, W.VA. was superintendent of a community Sunday School meeting in an unused school house at Beech Bottom". Mr. Gordon wrote to John R. Clark, secretary of the W.VA. Christian Missionary Society, suggesting the possibility of establishing a church here. Mr. Clark visited the field and recommended to the State Board that they make an effort to secure a lot from the Whitaker-Glessner Steel Co., (now the Wheeling Steel Corp.) and start a church here.
The Board appointed W.H. Fields, minister of the First Christian Church, Wheeling, to interview the mill officials. His report was that the mill had refused all others, not wishing a multiplicity of churches in the community. Mr. Clark then approached one of the officials and so presented the program of the Christian Church as fitted for community application, that he was given the promise of a lot for the church, and the assurance that no other denomination would be allowed to enter the community until an enlarged population would justify it. Mr. Clark presented this report to the State Board and a committee was appointed, consisting of W.G. Fields, Wheeling-W. E. Pierce, Cameron-and W.B. Taylor, formerly of Bethany College, to oversee the erection of a suitable church building. Appropriations were secured from the United Christian Missionary Society of the Christian Church, and a loan was promised by the Board of Church Extension. The church at Wheeling W.VA. was generous enough to mortgage its own property to secure this loan. The present beautiful and commodious building was finally completed at a total cost of $68,950.58, about $10,000 of which was donated in labor and supplies, and was dedicated June 20, 1926.
"The first meeting of the official Board of the Beech Bottom Christian Community Church (later changed to Community Christian) was held Sunday afternoon, Sept 12, 1926 with Rev. W.B. Taylor, as minister, presiding. At that time the organization seems fairly well under way. In January 1927 Rev Taylor assisted by Sheldon Conard of Kendallville, Ind. held an evangelistic meeting, during which 184 people, representing 14 different denominations and six states, signified their desire to be affiliated with the church.
Rev. Taylor's ministry terminated in September 1927, and the work was taken up by Rev. L.E. Lee, who continued as pastor until the summer of 1929, when Rev. W.D. VanVoorhis was called to succeed him. This ministry continued until January 1937 and altho handicapped by failing health and the heavy building debt, yet was a very happy one. During this ministry, the entire building was redecorated in the summer of 1935, the work being donated by members of the church and community. In June a call was extended to Rev. Percy B. Kohl, who accepted and began his work as minister, Aug 1, 1937. Rev. Kohl's ministry ended Dec 1943 and he was succeeded by Rev. Earle H. Biddle, the present pastor who came from the Oakley-Hyde Park Christian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Various efforts had been made during this time to reduce the debt on the church, but none were outstanding successful. The services of Mr. Geo. Snively was secured in April 1928 to canvas the church of W.VA. and friends from out of the state. In 1937 Beech Bottom Commission was appointed by the W.VA. State Board of Christian Churches, for the purpose of pushing the payment of the debt. But collections languished until 1940, at which time a determined effort was launched to effectively reduce the debt which at that time amounted to $42,689.81. The Board of Church Extension agreed to reduce their claim from $40,919.81 to $16,065.97. Thru the efforts of the Commission substantial amounts were raised thru the state; gifts were secured from the Wheeling Steel Corporation and the West Penn Power Company, and the remaining part of the debt was assumed by the Beech Bottom congregation. The entire amount was finally paid May 7, 1944.
The Church at the present is in an unusually encouraging condition. The budget for 1944 being met by the weekly giving of the members. Attendance has steadily risen until it averages one hundred and twenty five at the church service. Two fine choirs, Junior and Senior, are being maintained under the direction of the pastor E.H. Biddle, and 51 new members have been received into the membership of the church since his coming. All organizations of the church are in an active and prosperous condition. Missionary giving this past year has reached an all time high. A total of 73 members or close relative of the church are in the military service at present and the church tries to keep in touch with them. The people of Power are warmly cooperating in the work of the church, and altogether a very optimistic spirit prevails among all the members.
The Catholic church, St Therese dates back as early as 1912, when a little mission station was erected at Car Stop 29, then known as Windsor, on WV State Route 2 midway between Short Creek and Power. Father Leopold Hermanns, Pastor of St Johns in Wellsburg had charge of this mission station until about 1918, when he was succeeded by Rev Joseph Gormley, Chaplain at Wheeling Hospital. Rev. Gormley was assisted by Sister M. Bernardine and Miss Annabelle McGannon. This church closed its doors on June 4, 1995.
On June 14, 1925, just two weeks after its dedication, the very first Holy Communion Class at St Therese Church received Our Lord for the very first time. The class included the following members: |
..(first communion) Joseph Bush, Mathias Kendo, Alexander Lascovic, Mike Roncevic, Stanley Ruszkowski, Catherine Kraina, Elizabeth Lascovic, Helen Listuon, Mary Nuller, Alice Nemeth, Daisy Pavlic, Catherine Pavlic, Margaret Schuler, Rose Turkai, Emma Vukovic, Emma Nohay, and Helen Marush.
At the time St Therese was established on Windsor Heights, fifty years ago, there were twenty-two nationalities represented among the parishioners: Americans, English, Scotch, Welsh, Irish, German, Austrian, Bohemian, Slovak, Polish, Slovene, Croation, Lithuanian, Italian, Hungarian, French, Belgian, Spanish, Greek, Lebanese, Uhranian and Russian with the Croation nationality predominant and the Polish a close second.
At the time St Therese was established on Windsor Heights, fifty years ago, there were twenty-two nationalities represented among the parishioners: Americans, English, Scotch, Welsh, Irish, German, Austrian, Bohemian, Slovak, Polish, Slovene, Croation, Lithuanian, Italian, Hungarian, French, Belgian, Spanish, Greek, Lebanese, Uhranian and Russian with the Croation nationality predominant and the Polish a close second.
The Golden Jubilee
Holy Family Parish 1923 - 1973
Diocese of Wheeling
(This booklet of information donated by Mrs. Elizabeth "Lottie" Folio of Beech Bottom)
The Churches of Holy Family, Power and St. Therese, Windsor Heights, WV
Holy Family Parish 1923 - 1973
Diocese of Wheeling
(This booklet of information donated by Mrs. Elizabeth "Lottie" Folio of Beech Bottom)
The Churches of Holy Family, Power and St. Therese, Windsor Heights, WV
Though Holy Family Parish was purchased on March 20, 1920, the church was not erected until November, 1923, Mass was offered, meanwhile, in the Rectory. First Mass and Jubilee Mass now glide into history, who pages are written by a sacrificial people close to God.
Our Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity for saying thanks to God and His people, as we look back on half a century and look forward to continued harvesting in the years to come.
ROSTER OF PRIESTS:
Before Holy Family became a parish, it was served by Fr. Leopold Hermann (1912-1918), and then by Fr. Joseph Gormley (1918-1923. Fr. Mathias O'Reilley became the first resident pastor (Feb 1924- Oct. 1924), succeeded by Fr. Frederick Schwertz, who had cared for the parish (Sept 1923-Jan 1924) and became 'travelling pastor' (from Wheeling) Nov 1924- Sep 1928. Fr Schwertz then became a resident pastor in Sept 1928 for a warmly remembered association. In Dec 1941, Monsignor Schwertz was recalled to Wheeling to become Chancellor of our Diocese. Fr. Joseph Bell became the third resident pastor of Holy Family Church in Jan 1942. The complete list of priests and their years is as follows:
•Rev. Leopold Hermann (1912 - 1918)
•Rev. Joseph Gormley (1918 - Sep 1923)
•Rev. Frederick Schwertz (Sept 1923 - Jan 1924)
•Rev. Mathias O'Reilly (Feb 1924 - Oct. 1924)
•Rev. Frederick Schweretz (Nov. 1924 - Sep 1928) Non-resident
•Rev. Frederick Schwertz (Sep 1928 - Dec 1941) Resident
•Rev. Joseph Bell (Jan 1942 - July 1942)
•Rev. Alfhonse Gesing (July 1942 - Dec 1943)
•Rev. Ambrose Gallagher, O.S.B. (Administrator) )Dec 1943 - Mar 1946)
•Rev. James Rogers (Apr 1946 - May 1946)
•Rev. Thomas Garrett (May 1946 - Oct 1946)
•Rev. Paul Fahey (Oct 1946
•Rev. G. Walter (Oct 1946 - Dec 1948)
•The Parish was supplied by St Joseph's Cathedral until Fr. Carroll came
•Rev. Martin Carroll, S.P.M. (Administrator) (Jan 1949 - May 1954)
•The Redemptionist then took charge
•Rev. Stephen Snineak (Pastor) (Jun 1957 - Aug 1964)
•Rev. John Allison (Aug 1964 - Sep 1968)
•Until next resident Pastor arrived, V. Rev. Robert Nash, Vice Chancellor supplied. Then Rev. Charles Hamlin took care of Parish.
•Rev. Michael Lee was appointed Pastor, Apr 24, 1969
OUTLINE OF HOLY FAMILY PARISH
The territory follows a line which crosses the Ohio River west to east about two miles south of Wellsburg. It then parallels Route 2 going north almost as far as Buffalo Creek, then turns east and south a little distance from Buffalo Creek and parallel to it.
The parish line meets the junction of Bethany :Pike at Green's Run Road. From there it follows the south edge of Buffalo Creek to a point beyond McKinleyville, where it takes a route parallel to Pierce Run Road. About two miles from Independence, Pennsylvania, it turns directly east to the West Virginia-Pennsylvania line.
The parish demarcation goes directly south to the Brooke-Ohio County line. It travels west bordering the two counties until it meets Short Creek. From there to Ohio River the line is somewhat south of Short Creek, finally going to the west side of Ohio River and north until it reaches the starting point.
THE EARLY YEARS
Searching the records at St Joseph Cathedral we found perhaps the oldest baptismal record referring to the territory now possibly comprised in the Holy Family parish. On Dec. 14, 1902, was baptised Elizabeth Marie Auber, the daughter of Joseph Auber and Anna lee Cox, resident of Bethany Pike, born Nov. 4, 1902. Sponsors: Jacob Haughey and Ewlizabeth Auber. Baptised by Rev.. E.J. Connelly. (Whether this part of Bethany Pike is in our prsent parish teritory is not clear)
The first marriage from Beech Bottom recorded in St John Parish is in 1914. Alexander Imiski, from Beech Bottom, son of Stanley Imiski and Josepha nee Bednar, born in Poland 1892 – married Susan Helenski from Beech Bottom, daughter of Ignace Heelnski and Cathi Lagosky, born in Detroit, Mich. 1892. Witnesses Anthony Janethek and Mary Lucille. Officiating priest : Rev. Leopold M. Hermanns.
Holy Family Baptismal records go back to 1921. Marriage records date from June 30, 1923. Death register begins March 20, 1924. First Communion and Confirmation classes are indicated from 1925.
Records of Baptism, First Communion, before the early twenties will be found in St John's, Wellsburg; Corpus Christi, Warwood, Sacred Heart, Wheeling; and St. Joseph Cathedral, Wheeling.
Property for the Holy Family Church and Rectory as purchased from Martha Anderson on March 30, 1920. Prior to that time the warehouse of Whitaker-Glessner Steel Company, now Wheeling Steel, was used for services. Used also as the General Store at Stop 39, midway between Power and Short Creek, where white miners lived, later occupied by blacks when white miners moved to Windsor Heights.
A new portable church was erected and blessed by Rev., F. H. Schwertz in November, 1923. It was purchased from Sears and Roebuck for $1000.00 , a frame pre-fabricated building! It was set up on 48 supports. Later the church was raised and the present basement was erected. This was about the year 1929. The present bell and bellfry were erected in 1932.
Temporary quarters were made available for church services at Windsor Heights in a tool shed to the rear of the General Store. It had been previously used as a classroom for public school. The first Mass was said a t Windsor Heights at Christmas, 1923.
Property was donated by the West Penn Power Company at the request of Fr. Schwertz on March 26, 1925. The church building was erected in one month. In June of the same year, the church was opened and dedicated by Msgr. E. E. Weber, Chancellor. The first Holy Communion Class at the Holy Family had been an event of June 1922. First Holy Communion Class at St Therese's made debut in May 1925. The parish's first Confirmation class was conferred September 27, 1925- St Therese's Windsor Heights.
WHEELING SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH- 50 YEARS ASSOCIATION
Between 1913 - 1963, the Sisters of St Joseph did valuable apostolic work teaching the children in both churches. There were parishioners involved in this, too. These were the days of the street-car.,.mostly!
The first enclosure where the Sisters of St Joseph taught was an abandoned, one-room schoolhouse on the river side of the railroad tracks.
The next Sunday School location was an empty room over the General Store at Stop 45 Beech Bottom, where the offices of Wheeling Steel are now located, Sister Bernardine Yeager (deceased), of the Sisters of St Joseph of Wheeling, undertook the organization of this work. Sister was assisted by members from the Cathedral Parish, notable Catholic Daughters and Sodalists, and students of St Joseph Academy. The third meeting place of the teaching Sisters and staff was the present rectory at Power.
For a period of thirty-five years, Sisters of St Joseph and friends taught summer religious vacation school at Power. Heading the list of pioneering teachers are Sister M. Bernardine, and Miss Anabelle McGannon, with Sister M. Annunciata, Sister M. Berenice, Sister Mary Julia (1923-1924). Sister Frances Clare(1923-1924), Sister Mary Rose (1923). The list goes on! Representatives of the 40's are Sister M. Eugenia, Sister M. Immaculata, Sister M. Immaculate, Sister M. Jane Frances, Sister Rose Anita, Sister Rose Immaculate, Sister Teresa Marie, Sister M. Charlotte, Sister M. Patricia.
The fifties say great catechetical work by Sister M. Agnes (1953-1954). Sister Alice Margaret (1953-1954), Sister M. Augustine (1952), Sister M. Daniel (1950), Sister M. Dennis (1956), Sister Joan of Arc (1956), Sister Mary Noel (1952), Sister Philip Marie (1954-1955), Sister Rose Virginia (1954-1955), Sister Regina Cecelia and Sister Denise (1957), Sister M. Macrina (1956), Sister M. Florence and Sister Denise (1958), Sister Miriam Joseph and Sister Mary Denise (1959).
The sixties brought Sister Edwin Marie and Sister Catherine Joseph (1960), Sister M. Columba and Postulant Judith O'Brien (1961), Sister M. Columba, Sister Edwin Marie, Sister M. Celestine, Sister M. Kathleen and Sister M. Carolyn (1962).
EARLY LAY APOSTLES
Gentlemen who furnished transportation for the Sisters to Power, Beech Bottom and Windsor Heights included William Dickman, R. Robert Naegele, Paul Vensel, Henry Vollinger and George Voellinger.
Lay teachers who assisted the Sisters in Christian Doctrine classes were the pioneering Miss Anna Belle McGannon, Miss Angela Marie Emig (Hegner), Miss Cornelia Emig (Zubach), Miss Mary Voellinger (Kellog), Miss Virginia Naegele (Bauer), Miss Marie Schwertz. People who furnished other help included Miss Mary Dickman and Miss Sarah Dickman; Mrs. Luther, Mr. Robert Naegele, Miss Clara Paul, Miss Mary Waller, Miss Dorothy Weitzell and Miss Wolfe.
From January 23, 1922 to July 5, 1973, 993 children and converts have been baptized….one might say a harvesting of 1000 souls in half a century.
NOTABLE PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS
•1955 - Tile flooring was laid in both churches. Entrance and corridor were built in read of sanctuary at St Therese's Church., Rewiring was done, also. A new tabernacle and altar were obtained for Holy Family Church and the ceiling of the basement was strengthened by new beams.
•1956 - An organ was purchased for Holy Family Church, and a water line was installed. The first Forty Hours Devotion was held at the mother church on June 10, 11, 12. Since that time, Forty House in featured every year at one of the churches.
•1957 - Rewiring of Holy Family Church was begun. A septic tank with sewer line for St Therese's Church was installed.
•1958 - An air-conditioner was installed at Holy Family Rectory
•1959 - Rewiring of the Rectory was completed at Holy Family
•1960 - A new confessional was installed. The church and basement were painted. An additional furnace was installed along with new duct work for both furnaces of the church.
•1961 - In August, a new church lot campaign was begun. Approximately two third of an acre was purchased from Wheeling Steel on October 17, 1961. The job was completed at the end of January 1961.
•1961 - A double garage was built at Holy Family.
•1963 - The church basement was painted and rewired at St Therese's . More than half of the Seminary Pledge campaign was paid to the tune of $8,000.00. The total was underwritten by 1968. Rewiring of the church was completed. In October of this year, new Stations of the Cross were erected at Holy Family.
•Between 1964-1969 there was notable improvement made at St Therese's Church when aluminum siding was put on. At Holy Family a new canopy was added, new concrete steps laid to the church and basement, and new doors to the church entrance. Church and rectory were painted.
•Between 1969-1973, the notable improvements were the installation of new hot water heaters at both churches, CCD classrooms at St Therese's, the grading and surfacing of the parking lots at both churches, and the painting of Holy Family Church and the basements of both churches. (It might be worthy to note that at Power, be erecting new eaves, gutters and downpipes and piping the water from the same to a nearby culvert, we made our basement dry.)
•We have also purchased two movie projectors and one film-strip projector, in the knowledge that much of our need is I n religious education, "from the womb to the tomb" , as someone must have said…
SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENTS
Religious Education on all levels indeed has become top priority. We have been served well in CCD at Power by Mary Evanko, Thelma Bash, Patricia Maciak, Sister Virginia (Our Lady of Peace, Mt. Olivet), Pat Denbow, Sharon Smurda, Dolly Pratz, Blance Mazzella, Lillian Kadlie, Frances Michalec (Our Lady of Peace, Mt Olivet) and at St Therese's by Alice Messar, Doris Pavelich, Kathrine Romanosky, Margaret Custer, Dorothy Stucin, Margaret Gretchen, Margaret Purpura, Larry Hundagen, Stehanie Kumpar, Lucille Listuon, Mrs. Wildman, Patty Kumpar and Jane Smith.
The Legion of Mary has pursued many difficult endeavors over the past four years, such as visiting the nursing homes, the aged and sick at Windsor Heights, inactive Catholics, and children for Sunday CCD classes. Those who have work under the banner of Mary are: Mary Rovnak, France Knezovich, Alice Messar, Mary Turkaly, Ann Golden, Mary Kendo, Ann Pettini and Doris Pavelich.
The Parish Council and predecessors have served the Parish well. The first Parish Council members were Ed Romanosky, (President), Art Scherich,(Vice President), Thelma Bash, Mary Evanko, H. Ferguson, P. Folio, J. Niven, S. Pollock, Ron Ujcich, M. Rovnak, J. Mills, M. Gretchen, M. Knezovich, (Secretary), Today's Parish Council members are: Silveo Mazzella (President), Margaret Purpurs (Vice President), Cindy Maciak (Secretary), Patricia Madiak, Clarence Pratz, Louis Palmer, Marie George, Richard Romanosky, Margaret Custer, Matthew Knezovich, Mary Yanchak, Adam Angel, Frank Pollock, and Kenneth Kolenc
The Church at Holy Family and the rectory need to be replaced. We are waiting and hoping for the day we will be able to do so. If circumstances permit, we could be dedicating a new church in the not too distant future. May our dreams come true!
Our Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity for saying thanks to God and His people, as we look back on half a century and look forward to continued harvesting in the years to come.
ROSTER OF PRIESTS:
Before Holy Family became a parish, it was served by Fr. Leopold Hermann (1912-1918), and then by Fr. Joseph Gormley (1918-1923. Fr. Mathias O'Reilley became the first resident pastor (Feb 1924- Oct. 1924), succeeded by Fr. Frederick Schwertz, who had cared for the parish (Sept 1923-Jan 1924) and became 'travelling pastor' (from Wheeling) Nov 1924- Sep 1928. Fr Schwertz then became a resident pastor in Sept 1928 for a warmly remembered association. In Dec 1941, Monsignor Schwertz was recalled to Wheeling to become Chancellor of our Diocese. Fr. Joseph Bell became the third resident pastor of Holy Family Church in Jan 1942. The complete list of priests and their years is as follows:
•Rev. Leopold Hermann (1912 - 1918)
•Rev. Joseph Gormley (1918 - Sep 1923)
•Rev. Frederick Schwertz (Sept 1923 - Jan 1924)
•Rev. Mathias O'Reilly (Feb 1924 - Oct. 1924)
•Rev. Frederick Schweretz (Nov. 1924 - Sep 1928) Non-resident
•Rev. Frederick Schwertz (Sep 1928 - Dec 1941) Resident
•Rev. Joseph Bell (Jan 1942 - July 1942)
•Rev. Alfhonse Gesing (July 1942 - Dec 1943)
•Rev. Ambrose Gallagher, O.S.B. (Administrator) )Dec 1943 - Mar 1946)
•Rev. James Rogers (Apr 1946 - May 1946)
•Rev. Thomas Garrett (May 1946 - Oct 1946)
•Rev. Paul Fahey (Oct 1946
•Rev. G. Walter (Oct 1946 - Dec 1948)
•The Parish was supplied by St Joseph's Cathedral until Fr. Carroll came
•Rev. Martin Carroll, S.P.M. (Administrator) (Jan 1949 - May 1954)
•The Redemptionist then took charge
•Rev. Stephen Snineak (Pastor) (Jun 1957 - Aug 1964)
•Rev. John Allison (Aug 1964 - Sep 1968)
•Until next resident Pastor arrived, V. Rev. Robert Nash, Vice Chancellor supplied. Then Rev. Charles Hamlin took care of Parish.
•Rev. Michael Lee was appointed Pastor, Apr 24, 1969
OUTLINE OF HOLY FAMILY PARISH
The territory follows a line which crosses the Ohio River west to east about two miles south of Wellsburg. It then parallels Route 2 going north almost as far as Buffalo Creek, then turns east and south a little distance from Buffalo Creek and parallel to it.
The parish line meets the junction of Bethany :Pike at Green's Run Road. From there it follows the south edge of Buffalo Creek to a point beyond McKinleyville, where it takes a route parallel to Pierce Run Road. About two miles from Independence, Pennsylvania, it turns directly east to the West Virginia-Pennsylvania line.
The parish demarcation goes directly south to the Brooke-Ohio County line. It travels west bordering the two counties until it meets Short Creek. From there to Ohio River the line is somewhat south of Short Creek, finally going to the west side of Ohio River and north until it reaches the starting point.
THE EARLY YEARS
Searching the records at St Joseph Cathedral we found perhaps the oldest baptismal record referring to the territory now possibly comprised in the Holy Family parish. On Dec. 14, 1902, was baptised Elizabeth Marie Auber, the daughter of Joseph Auber and Anna lee Cox, resident of Bethany Pike, born Nov. 4, 1902. Sponsors: Jacob Haughey and Ewlizabeth Auber. Baptised by Rev.. E.J. Connelly. (Whether this part of Bethany Pike is in our prsent parish teritory is not clear)
The first marriage from Beech Bottom recorded in St John Parish is in 1914. Alexander Imiski, from Beech Bottom, son of Stanley Imiski and Josepha nee Bednar, born in Poland 1892 – married Susan Helenski from Beech Bottom, daughter of Ignace Heelnski and Cathi Lagosky, born in Detroit, Mich. 1892. Witnesses Anthony Janethek and Mary Lucille. Officiating priest : Rev. Leopold M. Hermanns.
Holy Family Baptismal records go back to 1921. Marriage records date from June 30, 1923. Death register begins March 20, 1924. First Communion and Confirmation classes are indicated from 1925.
Records of Baptism, First Communion, before the early twenties will be found in St John's, Wellsburg; Corpus Christi, Warwood, Sacred Heart, Wheeling; and St. Joseph Cathedral, Wheeling.
Property for the Holy Family Church and Rectory as purchased from Martha Anderson on March 30, 1920. Prior to that time the warehouse of Whitaker-Glessner Steel Company, now Wheeling Steel, was used for services. Used also as the General Store at Stop 39, midway between Power and Short Creek, where white miners lived, later occupied by blacks when white miners moved to Windsor Heights.
A new portable church was erected and blessed by Rev., F. H. Schwertz in November, 1923. It was purchased from Sears and Roebuck for $1000.00 , a frame pre-fabricated building! It was set up on 48 supports. Later the church was raised and the present basement was erected. This was about the year 1929. The present bell and bellfry were erected in 1932.
Temporary quarters were made available for church services at Windsor Heights in a tool shed to the rear of the General Store. It had been previously used as a classroom for public school. The first Mass was said a t Windsor Heights at Christmas, 1923.
Property was donated by the West Penn Power Company at the request of Fr. Schwertz on March 26, 1925. The church building was erected in one month. In June of the same year, the church was opened and dedicated by Msgr. E. E. Weber, Chancellor. The first Holy Communion Class at the Holy Family had been an event of June 1922. First Holy Communion Class at St Therese's made debut in May 1925. The parish's first Confirmation class was conferred September 27, 1925- St Therese's Windsor Heights.
WHEELING SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH- 50 YEARS ASSOCIATION
Between 1913 - 1963, the Sisters of St Joseph did valuable apostolic work teaching the children in both churches. There were parishioners involved in this, too. These were the days of the street-car.,.mostly!
The first enclosure where the Sisters of St Joseph taught was an abandoned, one-room schoolhouse on the river side of the railroad tracks.
The next Sunday School location was an empty room over the General Store at Stop 45 Beech Bottom, where the offices of Wheeling Steel are now located, Sister Bernardine Yeager (deceased), of the Sisters of St Joseph of Wheeling, undertook the organization of this work. Sister was assisted by members from the Cathedral Parish, notable Catholic Daughters and Sodalists, and students of St Joseph Academy. The third meeting place of the teaching Sisters and staff was the present rectory at Power.
For a period of thirty-five years, Sisters of St Joseph and friends taught summer religious vacation school at Power. Heading the list of pioneering teachers are Sister M. Bernardine, and Miss Anabelle McGannon, with Sister M. Annunciata, Sister M. Berenice, Sister Mary Julia (1923-1924). Sister Frances Clare(1923-1924), Sister Mary Rose (1923). The list goes on! Representatives of the 40's are Sister M. Eugenia, Sister M. Immaculata, Sister M. Immaculate, Sister M. Jane Frances, Sister Rose Anita, Sister Rose Immaculate, Sister Teresa Marie, Sister M. Charlotte, Sister M. Patricia.
The fifties say great catechetical work by Sister M. Agnes (1953-1954). Sister Alice Margaret (1953-1954), Sister M. Augustine (1952), Sister M. Daniel (1950), Sister M. Dennis (1956), Sister Joan of Arc (1956), Sister Mary Noel (1952), Sister Philip Marie (1954-1955), Sister Rose Virginia (1954-1955), Sister Regina Cecelia and Sister Denise (1957), Sister M. Macrina (1956), Sister M. Florence and Sister Denise (1958), Sister Miriam Joseph and Sister Mary Denise (1959).
The sixties brought Sister Edwin Marie and Sister Catherine Joseph (1960), Sister M. Columba and Postulant Judith O'Brien (1961), Sister M. Columba, Sister Edwin Marie, Sister M. Celestine, Sister M. Kathleen and Sister M. Carolyn (1962).
EARLY LAY APOSTLES
Gentlemen who furnished transportation for the Sisters to Power, Beech Bottom and Windsor Heights included William Dickman, R. Robert Naegele, Paul Vensel, Henry Vollinger and George Voellinger.
Lay teachers who assisted the Sisters in Christian Doctrine classes were the pioneering Miss Anna Belle McGannon, Miss Angela Marie Emig (Hegner), Miss Cornelia Emig (Zubach), Miss Mary Voellinger (Kellog), Miss Virginia Naegele (Bauer), Miss Marie Schwertz. People who furnished other help included Miss Mary Dickman and Miss Sarah Dickman; Mrs. Luther, Mr. Robert Naegele, Miss Clara Paul, Miss Mary Waller, Miss Dorothy Weitzell and Miss Wolfe.
From January 23, 1922 to July 5, 1973, 993 children and converts have been baptized….one might say a harvesting of 1000 souls in half a century.
NOTABLE PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS
•1955 - Tile flooring was laid in both churches. Entrance and corridor were built in read of sanctuary at St Therese's Church., Rewiring was done, also. A new tabernacle and altar were obtained for Holy Family Church and the ceiling of the basement was strengthened by new beams.
•1956 - An organ was purchased for Holy Family Church, and a water line was installed. The first Forty Hours Devotion was held at the mother church on June 10, 11, 12. Since that time, Forty House in featured every year at one of the churches.
•1957 - Rewiring of Holy Family Church was begun. A septic tank with sewer line for St Therese's Church was installed.
•1958 - An air-conditioner was installed at Holy Family Rectory
•1959 - Rewiring of the Rectory was completed at Holy Family
•1960 - A new confessional was installed. The church and basement were painted. An additional furnace was installed along with new duct work for both furnaces of the church.
•1961 - In August, a new church lot campaign was begun. Approximately two third of an acre was purchased from Wheeling Steel on October 17, 1961. The job was completed at the end of January 1961.
•1961 - A double garage was built at Holy Family.
•1963 - The church basement was painted and rewired at St Therese's . More than half of the Seminary Pledge campaign was paid to the tune of $8,000.00. The total was underwritten by 1968. Rewiring of the church was completed. In October of this year, new Stations of the Cross were erected at Holy Family.
•Between 1964-1969 there was notable improvement made at St Therese's Church when aluminum siding was put on. At Holy Family a new canopy was added, new concrete steps laid to the church and basement, and new doors to the church entrance. Church and rectory were painted.
•Between 1969-1973, the notable improvements were the installation of new hot water heaters at both churches, CCD classrooms at St Therese's, the grading and surfacing of the parking lots at both churches, and the painting of Holy Family Church and the basements of both churches. (It might be worthy to note that at Power, be erecting new eaves, gutters and downpipes and piping the water from the same to a nearby culvert, we made our basement dry.)
•We have also purchased two movie projectors and one film-strip projector, in the knowledge that much of our need is I n religious education, "from the womb to the tomb" , as someone must have said…
SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENTS
Religious Education on all levels indeed has become top priority. We have been served well in CCD at Power by Mary Evanko, Thelma Bash, Patricia Maciak, Sister Virginia (Our Lady of Peace, Mt. Olivet), Pat Denbow, Sharon Smurda, Dolly Pratz, Blance Mazzella, Lillian Kadlie, Frances Michalec (Our Lady of Peace, Mt Olivet) and at St Therese's by Alice Messar, Doris Pavelich, Kathrine Romanosky, Margaret Custer, Dorothy Stucin, Margaret Gretchen, Margaret Purpura, Larry Hundagen, Stehanie Kumpar, Lucille Listuon, Mrs. Wildman, Patty Kumpar and Jane Smith.
The Legion of Mary has pursued many difficult endeavors over the past four years, such as visiting the nursing homes, the aged and sick at Windsor Heights, inactive Catholics, and children for Sunday CCD classes. Those who have work under the banner of Mary are: Mary Rovnak, France Knezovich, Alice Messar, Mary Turkaly, Ann Golden, Mary Kendo, Ann Pettini and Doris Pavelich.
The Parish Council and predecessors have served the Parish well. The first Parish Council members were Ed Romanosky, (President), Art Scherich,(Vice President), Thelma Bash, Mary Evanko, H. Ferguson, P. Folio, J. Niven, S. Pollock, Ron Ujcich, M. Rovnak, J. Mills, M. Gretchen, M. Knezovich, (Secretary), Today's Parish Council members are: Silveo Mazzella (President), Margaret Purpurs (Vice President), Cindy Maciak (Secretary), Patricia Madiak, Clarence Pratz, Louis Palmer, Marie George, Richard Romanosky, Margaret Custer, Matthew Knezovich, Mary Yanchak, Adam Angel, Frank Pollock, and Kenneth Kolenc
The Church at Holy Family and the rectory need to be replaced. We are waiting and hoping for the day we will be able to do so. If circumstances permit, we could be dedicating a new church in the not too distant future. May our dreams come true!