Page 44 - Let's Make Waves - September 2018

Did You Know?

G a l v e s t o n H i s t o r y

The Heritage of

Sacred Heart Church
The Historical Sacred Heart Church lished on June 21, 1884 by Rt. Rev. Bishop Nicholas A.

A true beauty of our time Gallagher. He decided the East End of Galveston would
become the Society of Jesus. Reverend John F. O'Connor
was given the task starting this parish. With the help of
Father Slevin, Sacred Heart had its first mass the Sunday
after July 15, 1884 (Father Slevin arrived on the Island July
15, 1984).

The land which would become Sacred Heart was donated
by Michael B Menard. The Menard family has played a
large part in the history of Galveston, Texas.

At one point Sacred Heart was the largest church in Texas
(1892). It was also the third largest in the southern United
States. This is in part due to the history Sacred Heart had
with St. Mary's University.

The building was designed by architect Nicholas Clay-
ton. The design was French Romanesque. Sadly, the
Storm of 1900 demolished the original building. This
storm devastated most of Galveston and became what has
been known as the worst natural disaster to ever strike the
United States. All but two stained glass windows, the Mass
bell, the statue of the Sacred Heart and the Crucifix were
destroyed. These items remain at the church to this
day. The Catholic parish family immediately made plans to
reconstruct the church. On June 21, 1903 a cornerstone
was laid and the church was consecrated on January 17,
1904.

acre
acred Heart Church, located in Galveston Texas, is d Heart Church, located in Galveston Texas, is
S Sa magnificent landmark surrounded by beauty en-
a magnificent landmark surrounded by beauty en-
graved in every detail of this historical religious sanctuary. graved in every detail of this historical religious sanctuary.
Images of this Church capture the dedication through the Images of this Church capture the dedication through the
years of preserving the original structure. However, to ex-years of preserving the original structure. However, to ex-
perience the heart and soul of Sacred Heart Church, one perience the heart and soul of Sacred Heart Church, one
must walk through the doors; whether for a service or just must walk through the doors; whether for a service or just
a visit. a visit.

Sacred Heart is a Catholic Parish. The church was estab-Sacred Heart is a Catholic Parish. The church was estab-

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44 | Waves Magazine | September 2018 Issue | Waves Magazine | September 2018 Issue