03/01/2026
A very old picture of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and School with Father Francis Balay standing in front. (Restored)The back of the old photo has an inscription that reads "Miss L. L. Cousin, TAKEN IN 1922.
This is actually the second church building on this site. The first church was still being built, although was completed enough for parishioners to attend mass, but still needed more structural enforcements, when it was demolished by a hurricane. The demolished church was named St. Cecelia's, but when it was destroyed, the only thing that remained standing was a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.When the new church was built, it was decided to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and give that name to the church and parish. And so it is today, over 100 years later. Unfortunately this beautiful structure was destroyed by fire, as was the church built after it. (I'll locate a picture of that church and post in the near future) Today's architecturally aesthetic building is actually the 4th building of worship for Sacred Heart, which speaks to the diligence and devotion of this church family. Stop by any Saturday evening at 5 or Sunday morning between 8 and noon, or just tour the grounds which extend to the end of the block, the location of the first church. Or during Lent, one might attend the Stations of the Cross on Fridays at noon, outside on the grounds.Lovely oaks and other meditative areas takes you to a quieter, more peaceful place.
