Corpus Christi Parish and School were established in 1916 to serve the growing number of Catholics that settled north of downtown Wheeling. Prior to this time, the Catholics of Warwood attended Mass at the now defunct Sacred Heart Church in North Wheeling. Street car service every hour on Sunday provided the chief means of transportation from Warwood to North Wheeling.
Reverend Patrick Gilsenan (pastor from 1916-1921) was sent by Bishop Patrick Donahue to organize the new Warwood parish and he was appointed as the first pastor on June 16, 1916. He lived in a rental home located just behind the present rectory. This rented rectory also served as a church for the new parish, while the combination church/school building was erected, where the current school now stands.
The cornerstone for this structure was laid on September 24, 1916 in a ceremony presided over by Bishop Donahue. The original school consisted of four classrooms and a basement, still used by our president students. Folding doors on the first floor, when opened, provided space for church services. The school building continued to serve double duty as a church and school until 1924.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Wheeling taught and administered Corpus Christi School until it was transferred to lay leadership during the late part of the 20th century. Today, the cornerstone of Corpus Christi School is still the same values and priorities that laid the foundation over 100 years ago. Giving students a strong, quality education alongside a solid religious program which engrains the importance of faith, kindness, and service to other has always and will continue to direct our student onto a successful path in the future.
