Harpers Ferry - St. Peter's Catholic Church
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Harpers Ferry - St. Peter's Catholic Church
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The historic St. Peter’s Catholic Church, perched atop the highest point in Lower Town, is the most prominent and beautiful landmark in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It was the first Catholic Church on the Virginia frontier.
Built on property deeded to the Church by Robert Harper, the original Church was constructed by the Irish canal workers on their days off, with them donating their time. Finished in 1833, it took three years to complete.
Father Michael Costello was the parish priest during the Civil War. Credited with saving the Church, he nailing the British Union Jack to the steeple. The South wanted the British to join forces with the Confederates, and the North did not want international involvement, so neither side fired on the Church.
In 1895, in recognition of St. Peter’s as Virginia’s premier parish, the original plain Church was disassembled, and the Church seen today was built on the original foundation. This new Chruch is a Gothic-fantasy style with Tiffany-styled windows and a Carrara marble altar.
The Church is no longer an active parish, but Mass is held on Sundays and special occasions.
Copyright 2020 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
August 26th, 2020
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