The territory of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Mullens, and that of its dependent mission Holy Cross, Pineville, is merged into the territory of St. Peter Parish, Welch. The Parish Church of St. John the Evangelist, Mullens, suppressed November 1, 2017. In addition, Holy Cross Mission, Pineville, is changed from a Mission Church to a Chapel under St. Peter Parish effective November 26, 2017.

The territory of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Gary, is merged into the territory of St. Peter Parish, Welch, with the Parish Church changed to the status of Chapel within the territory of St. Peter Parish effective November 26, 2017

The territory of Christ the King Parish, War, is merged into the territory of St. Peter Parish, Welch, with the Parish Church changed to the status of Chapel within the territory of St. Peter Parish effective November 26, 2017. Christ the King Chapel, War, is suppressed as of June 30, 2020.

The territory of Sacred Heart Parish, Powhatan, is merged into the territory of St. Peter Parish, Welch, with the former Parish becoming a Mission of St. Peter Parish effective June 5, 2018.

History

St. Peter Parish in Welch was established as a mission of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Gary in 1904. This first community was only in existence for eight years when the mission was suspended. Nine years later, in 1921, a priest was sent to Welch to establish a parish for coal-mining families. The first church was constructed the following year on the mountainside above Riverside Drive. The present church was built on Virginia Avenue in 1933 and has undergone extensive renovations.