Today in Wheeling History: February 22--Saint Ladislaus Church was dedicated by Bishop P.J. Donahue (1903).
St. Ladislaus Catholic Church was founded in 1902 by Polish immigrants in Wheeling and dedicated on February 22, 1903, by Bishop Patrick J. Donahue. The first pastor, Rev. Emil Musial, oversaw construction of the church and established a school in the church basement in 1911, staffed by Felician Sisters from Detroit. In 1920, a separate school building was built to accommodate over 400 students. The parish grew over the next decades, with various church groups and a parish choir. Rev. Musial served as pastor until his death on May 28, 1961. His successor Rev. Thaddeus Grondalski renovated the property and expanded community outreach until 1973, when Rev. Joseph M. Jamula became the third pastor. As parish enrollment declined, the school consolidated with others in Wheeling in 1974. Renovations modernized the church interior in 1977 for the 75th anniversary. St. Ladislaus closed in 1995 due to declining membership and finances, and the building now houses Abundant Life Baptist Church.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/3ytf5uef) (http://tinyurl.com/er8a6f9f) (http://tinyurl.com/yc5dyz36)
(http://tinyurl.com/3378jfn7) (http://tinyurl.com/425v4ah7)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; The Clio
St. Ladislaus Catholic Church was founded in 1902 by Polish immigrants in Wheeling and dedicated on February 22, 1903, by Bishop Patrick J. Donahue. The first pastor, Rev. Emil Musial, oversaw construction of the church and established a school in the church basement in 1911, staffed by Felician Sisters from Detroit. In 1920, a separate school building was built to accommodate over 400 students. The parish grew over the next decades, with various church groups and a parish choir. Rev. Musial served as pastor until his death on May 28, 1961. His successor Rev. Thaddeus Grondalski renovated the property and expanded community outreach until 1973, when Rev. Joseph M. Jamula became the third pastor. As parish enrollment declined, the school consolidated with others in Wheeling in 1974. Renovations modernized the church interior in 1977 for the 75th anniversary. St. Ladislaus closed in 1995 due to declining membership and finances, and the building now houses Abundant Life Baptist Church.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/3ytf5uef) (http://tinyurl.com/er8a6f9f) (http://tinyurl.com/yc5dyz36)
(http://tinyurl.com/3378jfn7) (http://tinyurl.com/425v4ah7)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; The Clio
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