St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

One of the places I wanted to visit in Martinsburg was St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rising about South Queen Street, its imposing columns and soaring spire make it a recognizable landmark in the city. Standing before the church, I could easily imagine my father climbing these same steps and joining generations of Martinsburg families for worship.

St Joseph Parish traces its roots to the early nineteenth century, and construction of the present church began in 1845. The building was completed and dedicated in 1860, just as the nation stood on the brink of the Civil War. In 1888, the exterior was transformed by adding the elegant Greek Revival portico with its Corinthian columns and the tall Gothic spire that had become a defining feature of the church.

The church has witnessed nearly every chapter of Martinsburg’s history. It stood during the long turmoil of the Civil War, when the town changed hands numerous times between Union and Confederate forces. It welcomed immigrants who came to the area seeking opportunities and served generations of Catholic families who made Martinsburg their home. The church remained a constant presence in the life of the community.

Visiting St. Joseph Church was an opportunity to stand in a place that was important to my father and our family. Like so many churches that anchor small towns across America, St. Joseph represents faith and community, for Martinsburg and for my family.