The Diocese of WheelingCharleston is saddened to hear of the devastating fire at the historic St. Colman Catholic Church near Shady Spring, WV. Thankfully, no one was inside the building
when the fire occurred; however, the structure is a total loss. The church, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places since it was built in 1877 was not regularly used. The
Diocese is truly grateful for the response of so many fire departments in the area, but the little church burned quickly and nothing can be saved. The cemetery behind the church will continue
to be maintained.

According to published reports, local authorities consider the fire suspicious in nature. We encourage anyone with any information regarding the fire to contact the WV State Police,
Trooper D. Daniels at (304) 2566700, the WV State Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline at 1 (800) 2333473 or Crime Stoppers of Raleigh County at 304255STOP. Any further questions
regarding the investigation should be forwarded to local authorities.