St. John Neumann Parish, comprising all of Pocahontas County, was canonically erected on September 24, 1977. The Catholic families of the region had been initially organized in the 1950s as Sacred Heart Mission and were served by priests from White Sulphur Springs and Ronceverte. Mass was celebrated in local homes until the congregation began to meet in the American Legion Hall and St. John Episcopal Church. A building and property were purchased for the community in 1978. The first Mass was celebrated at the new site on March 3, 1978. Ground was broken for a new church-rectory on April 14, 1978. Bishop Joseph H. Hodges blessed and dedicated the building the following July 15.