Biography of Rev. Wilbert M. Burke - McDowell Co. VA The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume II, pg. 522 REV. WILBERT M. BURKE is the popular pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Bluefield. He is one of the younger priests of the Catholic Church in West Virginia. Father Burke is a native of West Virginia, born at Wheeling May 8, 1892, son of John Joseph and Margaret (Callahan) Burke. He was educated in St. Charles College, completing his studies there in 1910. He took his theo- logical course in St. Mary's Seminary and was ordained by Bishop Donahue at Wheeling in 1915. Since his ordination as a priest Father Burke-has put in six busy years, three years in missionary work and two years as assistant to Father McBride at Parkersburg. On January 1, 1921, he began his duties as pastor of the Sacred Heart Church at Bluefield. Father Burke is a very demo- cratic young man and has all the qualities that fit him for leadership among the people of this section. He was athletic as a youth and college man, still plays baseball and keeps in touch with all the recreational as well as the serious activities of his people. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Kiwanis Club. The history of the Catholic Church in Bluefield is repre- sented by an upward climb. Before the establishment of the parish in 1892 the wants of the few scattered Catholics was attended to by Father McBride of Wytheville, who had a mission at this place. In 1892 Bluefield was given a permanent parish, with the late Father Oliver, a French priest, in charge. The church that is being used at present was built with the rectory. The church while looked upon as well appointed has long since failed to keep pace with the growth of the city and the building of the new edifice comes as a matter of stern necessity. Father Oliver's work in this section hardly needs to be referred to in these lines, as it is well and favorably known to the people of this section irrespective of creed, his many good works not being confined to his own flock. On Novem- ber 15, 1920, Father Oliver passed to his reward, and the sentiment expressed on all sides gave evidence of the high esteem in which he was held. Shortly after the death of Father Oliver, Bishop Donahue placed Father W. M. Burke in charge of the Bluefield parish. Father Burke took up the responsibilities of the parish with a vim, and his capacity for hard work and the results of the efforts of this young priest soon earned for him the admiration and confidence of the community with- out regard to religious affiliations. To Father Burke has been entrusted the work of raising funds for the erection of the new building, and the results he attained in this direction have been very encouraging. The establishing of a parochial school has been under consideration for some time and its location in close prox- imity to the new church building is a matter that will be given immediate attention so that students will be enrolled for the fall term commencing September, 1922. Submitted by Valerie F. Crook **************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. ****************************************************************