People's University: Appalachian Music & Folklore, A Ghost Story

September 20, 2016
7:00pm - 7:00pm

Class 8, September 20: West Virginia’s Original Ghost Story

In the late 18th century in Middleway, West Virginia, alleged spirits were persecuting a family – strange rumblings; flying items; and invisible shears cutting sheets and dresses into crescent-shaped strips. A Russian prince turned Catholic priest would end the demonic manifestation, which was replaced by a new spiritual manifestation – one that instructed the family in the Catholic faith. The voice predicted that the land would become “a great place of prayer and fasting and praise.” This prediction was fulfilled in 1978 with the establishment of Priest Field Pastoral Center. This talk will trace the history and popular memory of what many consider to be West Virginia’s original ghost story, and how the Wizard Clip story is still being written – this time, in Rome.

Instructor Jon-Erik Gilot is the Director of Archives & Records at the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. He is a graduate of Bethany College (BA – History) and Kent State University (MLIS – Archives). He has been fascinated with the incredible story of Priest Field since his first trip there nearly twenty years ago.

The People’s University is a free program for adults who wish to continue their education in the liberal arts, featuring courses taught by experts in each subject that enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in subjects such as history, philosophy, and literature. Classes are free and open to the public. There are no grades, and registration is not a commitment. You are welcome to attend all or only some classes. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.