St James Catholic Church

St. James Parish in McMechen, West Virginia, is a Roman Catholic congregation established in 1900. Masses are held on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The parish has a rich history rooted in community dedication, with an average Mass attendance of 41 in 2024.

St. James Parish, part of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, serves the Catholic community in McMechen, WV. Founded in 1900, the parish began with ten Catholic families who initially traveled to Benwood for Mass. Bishop Donahue established the parish and appointed Rev. Thomas Collins as its first pastor. The church was constructed by parishioners, with the cornerstone laid in November 1899 and completed the following year.

The parish offers Masses on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Reconciliation is available on Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. The 2024 average total Mass attendance is reported as 41.

St. James has a historical connection to education, with SS. James and John grade school opening in 1926 and Bishop Donahue Memorial High School, located adjacent to the parish, opening in 1955 and closing in 2017. The parish is administered by Rev. William J. Kuchinsky.

Facilities include a church building and a former high school. The parish website is Saint James WV, though it is unclear if it is active or maintained separately from the diocesan site. Newcomers are likely welcomed through the parish’s ongoing traditions and community-focused approach, as outlined in the history.

St. James Catholic Church in McMechen, WV, offers a quiet, community-focused worship experience rooted in over a century of tradition. With Masses on Saturday and midweek services, the parish maintains a small but dedicated congregation. First-time visitors would likely notice the parish’s historical character through its church building and former high school, suggesting a welcoming environment shaped by long-standing local ties.

Pros

• Established in 1900 with a rich history of community service and education
• Clear Mass times posted for Saturday and midweek services
• Includes a church building and former high school for facility use

Cons

• Website appears to be a thin directory page with limited additional information
• No specific details about newcomer welcome programs or family ministries listed
• No active social media accounts directly linked to the McMechen parish