[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   THE SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES 100 YEARS IN BLUEFIELD

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, 1995 is a memorable year for the residents 
of Bluefield, WV. For it was 100 years ago that the Sacred Heart 
Catholic Church was dedicated on Mercer Street. The theme of this years 
celebration is ``Remember, Rejoice, and Renew.''
  Late in the 19th century, the coal industry, the railroad, and 
commercial trade brought numerous Catholics to southeastern West 
Virginia. The first Catholic service in Bluefield took place on 
Princeton Avenue, when the Reverened John McBride came on horseback 
from Wytheville, VA, to perform the ceremony. Mr. Speaker, the first 
Catholic service in Bluefield even predated the incorporation of the 
city of Bluefield, WV.
  Five years later, in 1984, the Most Reverend P.D. Donahue, Bishop of 
the Diocese of Wheeling, WV, appointed the Reverend Emile Olivier the 
pastor of the growing Catholic community in Bluefield. Through Reverend 
Olivier's tutelage and the hard work of the parish, the Sacred Heart 
Church was dedicated on Mercer Street in Bluefield on October 27, 1895. 
The church continued to grow and was responsible for the creation of 
other Catholic communities in Powhatan, Gary, Welch, Williamson, 
Princeton, and Our Lady of Lourdes in Bluefield.
  Mr. Speaker, the Sacred Heart Church in 1995, as in 1895, is a family 
of Christians whose mission it is to bring about the Kingdom of God on 
Earth by their worship, evangelization, and strengthening of 
relationships and service to church and community. It is with great 
honor that I help to honor the centennial year of Bluefield's Sacred 
Heart Church. Remember, Rejoice, and Renew.


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