Today in Wheeling History: May 12--After several weeks without a permanent pastor following the passing of Father Jeremiah O'Connell on January 15, 1946, Father John J. Mueller, who had just returned from serving 30 months in the South Pacific theater of war, appeared before the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church congregation and announced that he was their new pastor, much to the delight of both the priest and the parishioners (1946).
The Sacred Heart Church in North Wheeling, West Virginia, was founded in 1904 to serve the growing Catholic population in the area. The construction of the church was made possible by a generous gift of $10,000 from Miss Kate Andrews of New York City. On August 28, 1904, the church was officially dedicated and began serving the community.
Throughout the early 20th century, Sacred Heart Church played a vital role in the lives of its parishioners and the surrounding neighborhood. The church basement served as a school, social hall, and community center, hosting various events and activities.
On May 12, 1946, Father John J. Mueller was appointed as the new pastor of Sacred Heart Church. Father Mueller, a native of Wheeling, had just returned from serving 30 months in the South Pacific theater during World War II. He appeared before the congregation and announced his new role, much to the delight of the parishioners who were happy to have him back offering Mass in a real church. Father Mueller's appointment came after the passing of the previous pastor, Father Jeremiah O'Connell, who had died on January 15, 1946, after serving the parish since 1932.
In 1995, after over 90 years of service, the Sacred Heart parish was consolidated with the Cathedral of St. Joseph due to declining membership. The church building was then used for other purposes, including housing the Augusta Levy Learning Center, which served children with autism, and the congregation of the Faith Community Church.
On July 7, 2018, a devastating fire broke out in the former Sacred Heart Church. The fire, which was determined to be accidental and caused by an electrical junction box, destroyed the roof and much of the first floor. Water damage also significantly impacted the structure. The Augusta Levy Learning Center and Faith Community Church were displaced as a result of the fire.
The Wheeling Housing Authority, which had purchased the property in 2000 as part of the Hope VI housing program, decided that the damage was too extensive for renovation. In September 2019, crews began demolishing the remains of the church, with the process taking approximately two weeks.
After the demolition, the Wheeling Housing Authority announced plans to return the property to green space and place a plaque on the site in memory of the church. In June 2022, the Housing Authority opened a new community center at the same location, 99 Main Street in North Wheeling, to serve the local community. The new center incorporates some elements from the old church that were not destroyed by the fire and will host various events and activities.
Although the physical structure of Sacred Heart Church is no longer standing, its legacy and the memories it created for generations of parishioners and community members live on.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2e7542mf) (https://tinyurl.com/2esmj854) (https://tinyurl.com/yn2zum39) (https://tinyurl.com/4ym9krw2)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Google Maps
The Sacred Heart Church in North Wheeling, West Virginia, was founded in 1904 to serve the growing Catholic population in the area. The construction of the church was made possible by a generous gift of $10,000 from Miss Kate Andrews of New York City. On August 28, 1904, the church was officially dedicated and began serving the community.
Throughout the early 20th century, Sacred Heart Church played a vital role in the lives of its parishioners and the surrounding neighborhood. The church basement served as a school, social hall, and community center, hosting various events and activities.
On May 12, 1946, Father John J. Mueller was appointed as the new pastor of Sacred Heart Church. Father Mueller, a native of Wheeling, had just returned from serving 30 months in the South Pacific theater during World War II. He appeared before the congregation and announced his new role, much to the delight of the parishioners who were happy to have him back offering Mass in a real church. Father Mueller's appointment came after the passing of the previous pastor, Father Jeremiah O'Connell, who had died on January 15, 1946, after serving the parish since 1932.
In 1995, after over 90 years of service, the Sacred Heart parish was consolidated with the Cathedral of St. Joseph due to declining membership. The church building was then used for other purposes, including housing the Augusta Levy Learning Center, which served children with autism, and the congregation of the Faith Community Church.
On July 7, 2018, a devastating fire broke out in the former Sacred Heart Church. The fire, which was determined to be accidental and caused by an electrical junction box, destroyed the roof and much of the first floor. Water damage also significantly impacted the structure. The Augusta Levy Learning Center and Faith Community Church were displaced as a result of the fire.
The Wheeling Housing Authority, which had purchased the property in 2000 as part of the Hope VI housing program, decided that the damage was too extensive for renovation. In September 2019, crews began demolishing the remains of the church, with the process taking approximately two weeks.
After the demolition, the Wheeling Housing Authority announced plans to return the property to green space and place a plaque on the site in memory of the church. In June 2022, the Housing Authority opened a new community center at the same location, 99 Main Street in North Wheeling, to serve the local community. The new center incorporates some elements from the old church that were not destroyed by the fire and will host various events and activities.
Although the physical structure of Sacred Heart Church is no longer standing, its legacy and the memories it created for generations of parishioners and community members live on.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2e7542mf) (https://tinyurl.com/2esmj854) (https://tinyurl.com/yn2zum39) (https://tinyurl.com/4ym9krw2)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Google Maps
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