Cathedral of Saint Joseph (Wheeling, West Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Joseph's Cathedral and Rectory
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in West Virginia
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| Location | 1312 Eoff Street Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. |
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| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Edward J. Weber |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Part of | East Wheeling Historic District (ID99001402) |
| Added to NRHP | November 22, 1999 |
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph of Wheeling is a very important church in Wheeling, West Virginia. It's the main church for the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, which means it's where the bishop has his special seat. This church is also home to the oldest Catholic community in Wheeling. It's considered a historic building and is part of the East Wheeling Historic District.
The current leader of the cathedral is Bishop Mark E. Brennan.
Contents
History of Saint Joseph's Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is home to Wheeling's oldest Catholic community, started in 1822. It has been the main church for the Diocese of Wheeling since 1850. The word cathedral comes from the special chair, called a cathedra, where the bishop teaches and leads.
In 1847, the church moved to its current spot at Eoff and 13th Street. It was first named Saint James the Apostle. In 1850, this church became the cathedral for the diocese, and Richard V. Whelan was the first bishop.
In 1872, Bishop Whelan asked to change the church's name to honor Saint Joseph. This was because people were showing more devotion to Saint Joseph. It also recognized the growing number of Catholic workers in the coal fields.
Building the New Cathedral
Bishop Patrick Donahue became Bishop of Wheeling in 1894. People started talking about building a new cathedral around this time. Planning for a new building really began after World War I. Bishop Donahue wanted Edward J. Weber, a well-known church architect, to design it.
Bishop Donahue passed away in 1922 before the work could begin. However, a fire in 1923 caused a lot of damage to the old cathedral. This fire made it possible for Bishop Swint, the fourth bishop, to start building the new church.
With the help of Edward Weber and many skilled workers, the new cathedral was finished in just three years. The church was officially opened on April 21, 1926. Bishop Swint wanted to build a church that would last for hundreds of years.
The building was designed in the Neo-Romanesque style. It cost about $500,000 to build in 1926. Bishop John Joseph Swint dedicated the current building in April 1926. It replaced the original cathedral built in 1847.
In 1973, the church was updated to fit new rules for Catholic worship from Vatican II. During this update, the altar was moved closer to the people, and other changes were made.
Architecture and Design
The cathedral is built in a style called Lombardi Romanesque. It has a cross shape, which is known as a basilica floor plan. A large dome rises 148 feet (45 meters) above the center of the church. Two tall towers stand next to a large rose window at the front. These towers give the building a strong, fortress-like look.
The design was inspired by churches in Italy, like San Pietro in Toscanella and the cathedral in Prato. Bishop Swint wanted the dome to look like the one on the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence, Italy. The sculpture above the main door, showing "Christ in Majesty," was carved by Francis Aretz. He also created the Stations of the Cross inside.
Inside the Cathedral
The architect designed the inside of St. Joseph's to be colorful, in a style called Mediaeval Byzantine. The main dome shows a picture of heaven. A large painting called “Enthroned Christ and the Communion of the Saints” fills the half-dome behind the altar. Felix B. Lieftuchter painted this mural. George W. Sotter designed the beautiful stained glass windows.
The long main area of the church, called the nave, has a rounded ceiling. This ceiling is decorated with colorful paintings that create a 3D effect. A special structure called a ciborium stands over the marble main altar.
In 1973, changes were made inside to follow the rules from Vatican II. The main altar was moved forward and placed under the dome. The old pulpit and communion rail were removed. The side pews were turned to face the central altar.
From 1995 to 1996, the cathedral was cleaned and restored. This included the murals and stained glass. New furniture like a pulpit, altar, lectern, and font were added. These were designed by Tracy R. Stephens.
Later, Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt led more big renovations. These repairs fixed the inside of the building and made it better for modern worship. This project included cleaning the murals and restoring the paintings. They also added ways for people with disabilities to get around. New heating, cooling, lighting, and sound systems were put in. A new baptismal fountain was built, and the floors were restored. An addition with a kitchen and restrooms was also built. This restoration finished in 1996.
More restoration work started in 2006. This included major work on the church's roof and outside windows to keep water out. The original furnishings in the upper sanctuary were also restored. This allowed the original bishop's chair (cathedra) to be used again. The stained glass throughout the cathedral has been restored over several years. In 2012, important work was done in the sanctuary. A new marble floor, altar, and pulpit were installed. The pews were also restored.
The Rectory Building
Next to the cathedral is the rectory, a three-story house built in 1920. It is made of brick and has a stone base. The roof is a mansard roof with dormer windows. The double entrance door is made of wood and has decorative stone carvings. The third floor has Gothic-arched windows and a balcony with stone designs.
In 2011, the diocese started a big project to reorganize the cathedral campus. This area includes the cathedral, the rectory, and other buildings. They decided to close the elementary school due to fewer students. They renovated that building into a new office space for the diocese. This project also added new outdoor spaces. These included a central courtyard and a garden dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A new fountain in the courtyard adds movement and sound, making it a peaceful gathering area.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de San José (Wheeling) para niños
- List of Catholic cathedrals in the United States
- List of cathedrals in the United States
- Cathedral Parish School
