“On behalf of the families who settled Irish Mountain generations ago, the local parishioners who lovingly maintained our historic chapel and cemetery there, and all those who have visited St. Colman over the years, I am grateful for the hard work of the West Virginia State Police, particularly Trooper Daniels, as well as the state Fire Marshal’s office, who worked diligently to investigate the devastating fire at St. Colman Church near Shady Spring.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that the fire was considered an act of arson and was intended to destroy this historic structure so important to the lives of many in the area. While this criminal act can be very shocking and hurtful to the faithful, it can never destroy the memories of the Catholic community who built, maintained, and lived out their faith in that little church on Irish Mountain.

“Our work now begins to ensure that their memory is kept alive on that sacred site. I will seek guidance from our pastoral and lay leadership at St. Patrick Parish in Hinton and work with diocesan leaders to consider plans for the future of the site. We will release more information once it is available.”

—Bishop Mark Brennan