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St John the Evangelist

1300 Charles St, Wellsburg WV 26070

History of Holy Family

From 1912 to 1918, Mass was said in the general store, midway between Short Creek and Power. From 1918 to 1923 Mass was said in the warehouse of the Beech Bottom Plant of Whitaker-Glessner Steel Company, now Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel. In 1920 property including the present rectory building was purchased in Power. In November of 1923 a church was erected next to the rectory.

Prior to any priestly ministry in the area, Sisters of St. Joseph taught here. First in an abandoned school between the railroad tracks and the river. Next, in an empty room over the general store at Beech Bottom. The third meeting place was the rectory at Power. The Sisters of St. Joseph have served Holy Family since 1964.

In 1922, coal miners who lived at Stop 39 were resettled on what is now known as Windsor Heights. A tool shed, at the rear of the general store, was adapted as temporary quarters for the celebration of Mass. Christmas Mass in 1923 was the first Mass celebrated there. Later 2 1/2 acres of land was procured from West Penn Power Company, on which St. Therese's Church was built in 1925. In June of that year, the Church was opened.

For 25 years parishioners at Holy Family Parish, Power, have dreamed of having a new church complex. Their dream became more tangible on March 18, 1979 as they participated in ground-breaking ceremonies. A Mass of Dedication was held July 1, 1980 for the new church-hall-rectory complex.

On June 4, 1995, St. Therese Mission Church was officially closed and united with Holy Family Church. Holy Family then became a Mission Church of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Wellsburg, WV with the Rev. Charles Teufel as Pastor. Sr. Ellen F. Dunn, O.P., a Dominican Sister from Columbus, OH, is the Parochial Coordinator and resides at the Holy Family rectory. The sisters of St. Joseph continue to be a significant part of Church life as well, Sr. Marguerite O'Brien, SSJ, helps with worship as our musical leader. Today we say THANKS for all that has been here, and we say YES, O GOD, to all that yet will Be ... and we journey on in faith into the future with You.