Realizing a need for Catholic secondary education in Weirton, Monsignor Daniel Patrick Murphy began formulating plans early in the 1950’s for the building of a high school. After receiving the approval of Archbishop Swint of the Wheeling diocese, Msgr. Murphy and a group of interested parishioners began a fund raising campaign of one million dollars. Weirton Steel Company and many generous individuals made large contributions. Catholic employees pledged three percent of their wages for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Starvaggi donated twelve acres of land for the school plan.

As the dream was about to become a reality, Msgr. Daniel Patrick Murphy met a sister from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Peace while on a trip to Ireland. Sister Pauline brought interest in this new school to her superiors in Newark, New Jersey. They accepted the offer to staff a Catholic school in West Virginia.

Msgr. Thomas McDonnell, co-adjuster of the Wheeling Diocese, dedicated Madonna High School on August 15, 1955. Msgr. Murphy, who was suffering from terminal cancer, was flown to the ceremonies from New York. He died on September 19, 1955, after his educational dream had come true.

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Madonna High School Alma Mater

Thy beauty hides thy spirit bold
But both belong to you.
We’ll sing this song till we grow old
So shine thy beauty through

Hail Madonna shine so bright
So we may see thy radiant light.
Hail Madonna show the way
And may your spirit always stay.
Till time runs out you will grow
And pass your wisdom on.
So let your spirit flow and flow
Through every girl and Don.

Keep thy portals always open
To all thy children dear;
And show the light of happiness
To all undimmed and clear.

Hail Madonna shine so bright
So we may see thy radiant light.
Hail Madonna show the way
And make your spirit always stay.