Didn’t French-Canadians build this Sacred Heart Church? Sacred Heart in Chicago stands as a testament to faith. Its story began with French-Canadian descendants. They lived along the old Blue Island Ridge. This area now stretches from Alsip to Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.
Many early Sacred Heart parishioners labored at the Purington Brickyard. It stood at 119th and Vincennes. By 1892 eighteen families secured permission. They wanted to establish Sacred Heart in Alsip Illinois. The property was at 123rd and Rexford Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. William Harrison donated this land. A priest traveled to the church on Sundays to celebrate Mass.
Tragedy struck when fire destroyed the original Sacred Heart church. Parishioners rebuilt the structure at 117th and Church Street in Chicago.
The current Sacred Heart building was completed in 1904. It was a tiny French national church. It was built on stilts due to the swampy lowland. The church featured a Greek revival style. It had white clapboards. In the early 1920s bricks from the Purington Brick Yard created the facade we see today. A statue of Jesus Christ stands on top of Sacred Heart. His outstretched arms welcome everyone.
Sacred Heart has a history as a healing place. Plaques once adorned the rafters. They bore the names of those healed of ailments. Some left crutches canes eyeglasses and walking sticks. Father DeMers reportedly healed people. He distributed Holy Water medicine and blessings. Today the tradition continues. Parishioners add names to the prayer list. These names are read during Mass.
Over time Sacred Heart’s membership broadened. It included Irish and German families. Parishioners faithfully attended Mass.
January 21 1979 was a sad day. Cardinal John Cody announced the church’s closure. Costly repairs and the lack of a resident priest were to blame. Over one thousand families called Sacred Heart home. The Save Our Shrine committee formed. Appeals were made to Rome Cardinal Cody and the media.
Sacred Heart remained closed until 1982. Cardinal Joseph Bernadin reviewed the case. He reversed the decision to close and demolish the church.
Today Sacred Heart thrives as a Catholic community. Visitors are surprised by the welcoming atmosphere. It’s a small community but its heart is big. Sacred Heart is a mission of Our Lady of Kibeho. The mission name remains Sacred Heart Mission. Mass is celebrated at Sacred Heart on Saturdays at 4:00 pm. Sunday Masses are at 8:30 am and 10:00 am.
Sacred Heart is more than just a building. It is a symbol of resilience. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.