Sacred Heart History
The beginning
The history of Sacred Heart Parish began with the appointment of Father Aloysius B Dubby as its founder and first pastor. Following World War I there was a rapid growth and development of the north part of the community and it became evident that a new parish would be needed In this section of the city. In view of this situation Father Ryves, the pastor of St. Ann Parish, purchased a lot in the 2800 block on the west side of North 13th Street. When it was definitely decided to build a new parish, a more central location was selected. The north half of the triangle situated between 13th Street, Lafayette Avenue and Barbour Avenue was purchased on December 7th, 1921, as the site of the new parish.
During the period of organization of the parish, Father Duffy said Mass in the home located on the property. Later, this house was remodeled and became the rectory. Another house which was situated on the northwest corner of the property was renovated, enlarged and converted into a convent for the Sisters teaching in the school. Over the years, these two buildings were used interchangeably as rectory and convent.
Soon after Father Duffy had been appointed as pastor and the boundaries of the new parish had been established, a committee of ladies approached Fr. Duffy for permission to establish an Altar Society. In 1922 the Altar Society was formally organized with officers elected: Mrs. James Kane, president; Mrs. Richard Lee, vice-president; Mrs. Charles Vaught, secretary; and Mrs. Frank Decker, treasurer.
Groundbreaking for the new church-school building were held in April 1923 with the pastor and members of the Altar Society present. The cornerstone laying and blessing of the building, which was conducted by Monsignor Joseph Byrne of Holy Cross Church in Indianapolis, took place on Sunday, June 10th, 1923.
The plans were drawn by Johnson, Miller and Miller architects; and the construction contract was awarded to Roehm Brothers. The building is constructed of red brick with limestone trim. It has a frontage of fifty-three feet and a depth of one hundred eight and a half feet. Six classrooms were located on the top floor. The church was located on the first floor and had a seating capacity of five hundred. The first Mass was celebrated in the basement on Sunday, July 29, 1923. The building cost approximately $89,000.
