The beginnings of our parish are intermixed with the development of the New River Coal Fields.  As the railroad made its way through the New River Gorge, branch lines were built as spurs to connect the communities in the Plateau area.  The major spur was from Thurmond to Glen Jean.  St. Patrick Catholic Church had been established in Hinton in 1874.  As the coal mines brought in more and more immigrants from Central Europe, it became apparent that there needed to be a catholic church to minister to the spiritual needs of these people.

Rev. John J. Swint, a missionary stationed at Hinton, made frequent trips during 1904-1905 to Glen Jean to say Mass in the Opera House.  Father Madert was sent to Glen Jean in December, 1905, to minister and begin to organize a parish.

General Manager of the Macdonald Colliery coal company, Samuel Dixon, agreed to finance the building of a church in the Scarbro area.  The property was donated by the coal company.  It appears the church was started early in 1906.  Reverend Lawrence Michalski was appointed pastor of the Glen Jean District ( he arrived July 1, 1906) and was to complete the church and organize the parish.  The church, St. Casimir at Minden, was finished in January, 1907.

Rev. Stanislaus Jewasinski was appointed pastor in January, 1911.  He completed the rectory, organized a parochial school and built the Catholic Hall that sat at the bottom of the hill.  In 1914, the school building was constructed and classes opened to approximately 100 children.  Rev. Jewasinski died August 19, 1918, in the flu epidemic and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery under the large crucifix.

Rev. J. J. Isenring took charge of the parish August - September, 1918, until Rev. Stanislaus Rogosz was appointed to lead the parish until 1921.

The mission church in Kilsyth (an old school building) was purchased in 1947, with the first Mass held on Christmas Day, 1947.  The catholic community in the Mt. Hope area remained very active over the years.  However, with the improved transportation facilities, financial concerns and reorganization by the diocese, the mission at Kilsyth was closed on June 12, 1994.

In the early 1960's it became apparent that because of the shifting population and the closing of many mines, the parish center should be moved to Oak Hill.  A tract of land on Oyler Avenue was purchased in 1965.  A split level building consisting of four classrooms, a parish Hall and Convent facilities was erected in 1967 and dedicated on August 13 that same year.  The church and rectory remained at the Scarbro location.  In the early 1970's, Mass began to be held in the school hall in Oak Hill. 

The bishop gave his approval to construct a rectory and church at Oak Hill in May, 1977.  After 12 long years of transition, the new church in Oak Hill was dedicated on April 22, 1979, and the move to Oak Hill was complete. 

The building of the school, rectory and finally, the church on US 19 in Oak Hill has proved to be an excellent decision.  The future of the Parish in Oak Hill remains bright with a growing community on the edge of the New River Gorge National River.    The rafting and tourist season is very evident at the weekend Masses.  At some masses, there are as many visitors as there are local parishioners.  The Catholics of the Plateau look to the new millennium with great hope and faith.  New challenges lie ahead for our parish, but being built upon the strength of St. Peter and the knowledge of St. Paul, we will go forth into the new century, keeping the Faith!