Church of God and Saints of Christ Tabernacle (The Blue Church)

Wheeling, Ohio County

2017 Update: No updates have been made available to PAWV in 2017.

As of the last update provided to PAWV in 2016, the Wheeling National Heritage Area has completed several structural projects on the Blue Church.  Structural masonry repairs have been done on the exterior of the south elevation at the entablature.  Additionally, loose stucco on the south wall was removed, the wall was repointed, and the brick was sealed.  Structural roof repairs have also been completed.  The roof repairs included the roof trusses, box gutters, collection boxes, and the edge of the roof.  Five chimneys were also rebuilt or repaired to prevent water damage from washed-out mortar.  At the time of this entry, the roof was being replaced.  Its completion was scheduled for December 15, 2016.

• facebook.com/BlueChurchWhg
• wheelingheritage.org/milestones/bluechurch/

The next project planned for the Blue Church is repairing the proscenium’s structurally unsound arch.  A structural engineer is currently creating drawings to address the situation.

2010: Church of God and Saints of Christ Tabernacle is a superb Greek Revival Romanesque church. It is a key anchor of the Wheeling historic district in which it is listed. Built in 1835, the interior has cathedral ceilings, original stained glass windows, and a balcony with slave gallery. Although still in use, this building has severe problems. The roof and box gutters have failed allowing water to intrude and the front steps supporting the columns and portico are crumbling. In addition to church services, the church is home to Saints Charity which this year alone provided clothing, hunger relief, living assistance, computer literacy, and children’s summer programs to over 1,200 families.