In September 1906, Rev. M. Madert said first Mass in Mahan’s Hall.  Later Mass was delivered in a private home on Allegheny Street and from 1909 to 1910 in Exner’s Hall. Later, Father Madert bought some property on Jefferson Street and established a small church in 1911.  Bishop Donohue blessed the Church on May 7, 1911.  Rev. Henry Parascandola was assigned its first resident pastor. He acquired properties on the corner of Jefferson and Raymond streets.  In June 1913, a bell was placed on St. Anthony’s  Church. “The bell was rung a long time and clear tones were heard distinctly in all parts of the town.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above photo taken in 1922 is considered to be of an early Catholic Church constructed about 1911. It appears to be standing on the corner of Raymond and Jefferson streets.

Josephine B. Smitz is the young girl in the center of the picture and Mother of Lorreta (Smitz) McBride who contributed the church photo.

The house in the upper right side of the photo is the “Blue House” constructed by Herman Mahan in 1876. Herman with his brother Thomas sold land to the Follansbee brothers who built the Follansbee Mill 1902-04. The Blue House is still standing today.

• St. Anthony Parish 100th Anniversary Celebration: 1906-2006.  Follansbee, WV.  November 5, 2006, p. 1.
• Mill Towns Review, “Catholic Church Now has a Bell,” June 6, 1913, p. 5.
• Church Photo courtesy of Thomas and Lorreta (Smitz) McBride.