Before I get off the subject of Harpers Ferry for a while, I have to mention St. Peters Catholic Church. When we have visitors and go to Harpers Ferry, we alway go to the church. Not only is it the most impressive structure in Harpers Ferry, it has been in continuous use since 1889. We’ve been to Mass there numerous times.
The church was built in Neo-Gothic style out of native stone. It was built in the early 1830s by land donated by Robert Harper. The building was restored and enlarged in 1889.
St. Peters was the only church in Harpers Ferry to survive the Civil War intact. The priest at the time, Father Costello, stayed at the church and wisely flew the British flag from the steeple when the armies shelled the town. Both sides, not wanting an international incident with England, aimed their shelling away from St. Peters.
At one time the church was used as a hospital and Father Costello helped care for the wounded. Like many places in Harpers Ferry, there have been reports of ghosts in and around the church. But the most fascinating story to me is that of a priest. The story has been repeated, pretty much the same, by many visitors. The steps going up to Jefferson Rock go right by St. Peters. Many visitors, on their way to Jefferson Rock, report seeing an old priest coming from the rectory wearing a black friars hat. The visitors say that they speak to the priest, but he never returns any of their greetings. They all agree that the priest turns and walks right through the doorless wall into the church. No one seems to know who he is or why he returns to St. Peters, but he is seen too frequently to doubt his visits.
— 30 —