St. Christopher is located on the West Side (some say the Best Side) of Charleston, West Virginia, in an area known as Edgewood, the city’s first planned suburb, developed in the early twentieth century.

Charleston itself is the capital of West Virginia, and the city is dominated bythe gold dome of the Capitol building, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert. Completed in 1932, the Capitol and its surrounding park-like capitol plaza provide walking paths and benches perfect for a respite.

Nestled in the valleys at the confluence of the Elk River and the Kanawha River, Charleston enjoys year-round natural beauty due to the tree-filled hills surrounding it. The river and hills allow for plenty of outdoor activities on the water and in the many parks throughout Kanawha County. Kayaking, hiking, biking and trail riding are but a few of the options.

Foodies enjoy the Capitol Market, located at a former railroad depot, now a farmers’ market and indoor-outdoor retail, dining and social hub. Many independent restaurants provide local and international cuisine.

In addition to being the state capital, Charleston is also the cultural center of the state, boasting the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, several local theatre companies, vocal groups, and a ballet troupe. The newly renovated main location of the Kanawha County Public Library has wowed residents and has been featured on national TV.

Two institutions of higher education --- the private University of Charleston and West Virginia State University, a Historically Black College or University --- provide community learning opportunities.

Younger students attend Kanawha County Schools or several private elementary and secondary schools.

Traveling to and from Charleston is easy. Three interstate highways connect in Charleston (64, 77, and 79), and West Virginia International Yeager Airport and Amtrak serve the region.

Living in West Virginia, and especially Charleston, can be gratifying. As one parishioner put it:

“I am not from WV, but having lived here for 25 years or so --- consider myself a convert. I may have lived in MN, NY, GA and CA, and all of those places have shaped me. But count me a happy pig rolling the bounty of Appalachia.”

The Charleston Area