Sacred Heart Mission, Powhatan

Located in McDowell County, Sacred Heart was dedicated on November 3, 1895, as a mission of Sacred Heart Church, Bluefield. Rev. Emil Olivier organized the community and oversaw construction of the church. Initial members came from central and Eastern Europe and neighboring Pennsylvania to work in the region's coal fields. The mission became an independent parish in 1914 with Rev. Gregory Sturm as pastor. The community continues to worship in the original church, which has undergone significant change over the years. Renovations have doubled the church's accommodations, including a Memorial Ramp and a back entrance to increase accessibility, new heating and air conditioning systems, and a new classroom and parking lot. The parish's 100th anniversary was commemorated with two new stained-glass panels.