St. Francis De Sales, Beckley

St.  Francis de Sales Parish was established in 1909. The first Catholics came to Beckley at the end of the 19th century to work in the newly opened lumber yards and coal mines. The priests at St. Patrick's, Hinton, came to celebrate Mass in the Raleigh County Courthouse (Beckley) until a church was built.  In 1907, under the supervision of Rev. John J. Swint, a small white frame church was constructed. Rev. J.P.T Holzmer, the first pastor, served for 25 years, establishing missions at the surrounding mining camps, including Winding Gulf, Eccles, and Tams. The current church was constructed under the second pastor, Rev. John Halpin, in 1951. A school was opened in 1957, which was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph until 1975, when the first lay staff and principal were hired.