Born in Pickens: Roman Catholic Bishop John Joseph Swint's Impact on Religious Institutions in the Diocese of Wheeling (December 15, 1879)

​Today in Wheeling History: December 15--Born in Pickens, West Virginia, Roman Catholic Bishop John Joseph Swint played a pivotal role in overseeing the construction of numerous religious institutions within the Diocese of Wheeling, which has since evolved into the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston (1879).
 
John Joseph Swint (1879-1962) was born in Pickens, West Virginia and ordained a Catholic priest in 1904. He served as an auxiliary bishop and then bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston from 1922 until his death in 1962. As bishop, he oversaw major expansion, including the construction of over 80 churches, 35 schools, and 5 hospitals. He also founded Wheeling College. In 1954, Pope Pius XII granted him the personal title of archbishop. Swint served as a priest for 58 years and a bishop for 40 years. He was known as "God's Bricklayer" for his ambitious building projects in the diocese.
 
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Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Find a Grave