BUCKHANNON, W.VA. – WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital will recognize its 100th anniversary 
on March 28, but it will be celebrating throughout the year with special events planned in recognition of this momentous event each month.
The history of the hospital traces back to the founding of the Pallottine Sisters in 1838. This group was created to assist Roman priest Vincent Pallotti with his life’s mission to revive, strengthen, spread faith, and enkindle charity throughout the world. The first of the Pallottine Sisters made their way to the United States in 1912, passing the wreckage of the Titanic, as their own ship made its way safely between the icebergs.
In 1920, they were invited to open a hospital in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Four Sisters followed the call and on Feb. 15, 1921, purchased the beautiful Barlow estate on a hilltop overlooking the town. “The Overlook” consisted of a four-story wooden building faced with yellow brick on nine acres of land. With the help of good friends and benefactors, the rather large private home was converted into an eight-bed hospital and convent for the Sisters.
Over the past 100 years, St. Joseph’s Hospital has developed from an eight-bed hospital to a medical community dedicated to serving the needs of the residents of central West Virginia. In the fall of 2015, the Pallottine Missionary Sisters transferred sponsorship of the hospital to United Hospital Center and WVU Medicine. By joining forces with UHC and WVU Medicine, St. Joseph’s Hospital ensures its long-term viability for the community.
St. Joseph’s Hospital’s mission statement is “We are inspired by the love of Christ to provide our community with quality healthcare in ways which respect the God-given dignity of each person and the sacredness of human life.”