Today in Wheeling History: June 23--John J. Swint was ordained as a priest in St. Joseph's Cathedral, Wheeling, by Bishop Patrick J. Donahue, marking the beginning of a career that would see him rise to become Archbishop and be remembered as "God's Bricklayer" for his extensive construction of churches, schools, and hospitals across West Virginia. (1904)
Archbishop John J. Swint was a significant figure in the Catholic Church in West Virginia during the 20th century. He served as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling from 1922 to 1962, overseeing tremendous growth and development. In 1904, Swint was ordained as a priest in Wheeling and began his service to the church. During his 40-year tenure as bishop, Swint initiated an ambitious building program that included nearly 100 new churches, 35 schools, 5 hospitals, and the founding of Wheeling College (now Wheeling University). He was known as "God's Bricklayer" for his extensive construction efforts. Swint was honored with the personal title of Archbishop in 1954 by Pope Pius XII. He was also recognized for his religious leadership and humanitarian work with honorary degrees from several universities. Swint's episcopacy saw the Catholic population in his diocese nearly double, and he worked to meet the needs of a diverse and growing community despite challenges like the Great Depression and anti-Catholic sentiment.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/49w7sfjs) (https://tinyurl.com/3v5t92ct) (https://tinyurl.com/49ezj9xv) (https://tinyurl.com/2f66c38f) (https://tinyurl.com/t5uvj95c) (https://tinyurl.com/mryzsvtf) (https://tinyurl.com/2mjmhme6) (https://tinyurl.com/536jya87)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame, Find a Grave, Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register
Archbishop John J. Swint was a significant figure in the Catholic Church in West Virginia during the 20th century. He served as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling from 1922 to 1962, overseeing tremendous growth and development. In 1904, Swint was ordained as a priest in Wheeling and began his service to the church. During his 40-year tenure as bishop, Swint initiated an ambitious building program that included nearly 100 new churches, 35 schools, 5 hospitals, and the founding of Wheeling College (now Wheeling University). He was known as "God's Bricklayer" for his extensive construction efforts. Swint was honored with the personal title of Archbishop in 1954 by Pope Pius XII. He was also recognized for his religious leadership and humanitarian work with honorary degrees from several universities. Swint's episcopacy saw the Catholic population in his diocese nearly double, and he worked to meet the needs of a diverse and growing community despite challenges like the Great Depression and anti-Catholic sentiment.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/49w7sfjs) (https://tinyurl.com/3v5t92ct) (https://tinyurl.com/49ezj9xv) (https://tinyurl.com/2f66c38f) (https://tinyurl.com/t5uvj95c) (https://tinyurl.com/mryzsvtf) (https://tinyurl.com/2mjmhme6) (https://tinyurl.com/536jya87)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame, Find a Grave, Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register
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