Saint Clare Catholic Church Traditional Cache

Located in remote southern Doddridge County is the tiny hamlet of Santa Clara. From Wonderful West Virginia:

One of these land agents was Joseph Diss Disbar, a well-educated native of Alsace, who had migrated to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1842. In early 1846, Diss Debar was hired by John Peter Duman. To be closer to these landholdings, he moved to West Union on April 15, 1846, staying at Ephriam Bee's Tavern. He spent much time in Clarksburg and Parkersburg, where his colorful personality and striking mustached appearance soon made him a social leader.

He immediately started to organize the sale of Swan's lands in southern Doddridge County, particularly those in Cove District on Cove Creek. By 1852, he had built a house at the mouth of Carter Camp Run on Cove Creek. In 1856, he named the post office and settlement "St. Clara" after his deceased wife.

The church is still here, and looks to be used on a fairly regular basis. The most fascinating part of your visit will be the statues located in the cemetery at the top of the hill. Again, from Wonderful West Virginia:

An outstanding addition to the St. Clara community arrived in 1921. That was a set of crucifixation statues which was purchased in France and erected on the high ground in the cemetery behind St. Clara's church. This tableaux of statues had been discovered in France by their local priest, Father Camile Delaux, while he had been serving as chaplain during World War I. On his return to St. Clara's, he told the congregation of this tableaux. These devout farmers quickly raised the needed funds ($1,500) to purchase these and have them sent by ship to Hoboken and by train to West Union. There they were transferred to the Long Run Railroad for their journey south to Leopold where they were laboriously transported to St. Clara by a dozen energetic men and four teams of horses.

Also of note is that Mr. Disbar is the designer of the Seal of the State of West Virginia.

This will indeed be a country drive. But the countryside you will be driving through, no matter from which direction you approach, is very simple and peaceful. Enjoy the ride.