The Bishop of Richmond sent Passionist Father Daniel Downey D.D. to the 'mission' in Staunton in 1841. In 1849, Fr. Downey built a church named for Saint Francis of Assisi on some donated land. The coming of the railroad in the 1850's and numerous Irish Catholics increased the number of parishoners rapidly.
            A small school which had been operated by parishoner Mary Ann Collins welcomed the Vicentian Sisters of Charity in 1878. In 1895, a new church in 13th century gothic style covered in native green limestone was built under the direction of Fr. John McVerry. Growth continued and in 1945, a Capuchin Monstery opened nearby.