GREENBRIER VALLEY (WVDN) – The oldest Catholic Church still holding services will host the annual Aug. 15 Mass of the Feast of the Assumption at 6 p.m.
St. John the Evangelist, Catholic Chapel in Sweet Springs, Monroe County, was built as early as 1839 by slaves on the Lynnside Plantation at the intersection of Virginia 311 and West Virginia 3 in this northeastern Monroe County village. Tours of the Church will begin at 4 p.m. on Aug. 15.
In addition to the Aug.15 Mass, the church is the site of occasional weddings, funerals or anniversary reenactments.
An ice cream social will follow on the grounds, hosted by the parishes of St. Catherine of Siean in Ronceverte and St. Charles Borromeo in White Sulphur Springs, the overseeing parish for St. John’s.
Earlier on Aug. 5, the Church of Mary Immaculate near Williamsburg will be the site for the Aug. 5 first Saturday Rosary and daily Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m.
This 1901 constructed Chapel is the oldest Catholic Church building in Greenbrier County and a covered dish luncheon will be held on the grounds following the daily Mass. First Saturday services will continue on the first Saturday in September and October.
The public is invited to the services at both historic churches.
For further information and driving directions telephone the office of the Catholic Churches of the Greenbrier Valley 304-536-1813 or the Greenbrier Valley Knights of Columbus 304-645-1373.
