About St. Peter Claver · Huntington, West Virginia
St. Peter Claver is a welcoming, multicultural Catholic parish in Huntington, West Virginia, founded in 1937 as a mission for Black Americans and officially designated as a Black parish in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. The parish has grown from its humble beginnings in a boarding house into a vibrant community centered on service, faith, and inclusion. It celebrates Mass weekly and offers a range of ministries, including a community garden, outreach to the needy, and youth programs. The parish is named after St. Peter Claver, a patron of missionaries and the enslaved, whose life inspires its commitment to generosity and compassion.
- Established
- 1937
- Patron
- St. Peter Claver
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Why belong here
Join a parish that lives out Christ’s love through compassionate service and community. Experience welcoming, multicultural worship, active ministries like the community garden and food outreach, and a strong emphasis on inclusion for all. Whether you’re new or longtime, you’ll find a place to grow in faith and serve others.
Mass times at St. Peter Claver
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- by appointment
- after each Mass
History
Founded in 1937 as a mission for Black Catholics, St. Peter Claver Parish was elevated to parish status in 1980 and dedicated a new church in 1981. It has been served by several priests, including Father Leo Landoll, Father Jerome Hoepf, Father Peter DeMeester, and Father Patrick McDonough, each contributing to its growth and community outreach. The parish has endured threats of closure but remains active through faith and service.
Ministries
The parish offers a variety of ministries focused on service and community building, including the Community Garden, outreach to the needy, youth programs, and groups like Christian Mothers and Holy Name Society. The 'Piecemakers' group of community women also meets at the parish.
- Community Garden
- Outreach to the Needy
- Youth Programs
- Christian Mothers
- Holy Name Society
- Piecemakers
Faith Formation
While not explicitly detailed, the parish emphasizes faith formation through its ministries, sacramental preparation, and community activities. The 2025 Catholic Sharing Appeal highlights the parish’s commitment to spiritual and material growth.
Sacraments
The parish celebrates Mass weekly and offers Confession by appointment or after each Mass. No specific sacramental programs are listed, but sacraments are available as part of regular parish life.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Leo Landoll1937
Offered first Mass; recruited first members; led church renovations.
- Father Jerome Hoepf
Popular community figure; master carpenter; improved church, rectory, and school.
- Father Peter DeMeester
Appointed after Precious Blood Father could no longer serve; led membership growth and facility development.
- Father Patrick McDonough
Organized youth and helped the poor; started Christian House (later Bishop Hodges House).
- Father Andy Kraync
Offered lectures on history of Blacks in the Catholic Church.
- Father Lininus Uba
Helped secure grant for parish hall renovations.