Sacred Heart Church in Charleston was first dedicated on Nov. 4, 1880, and has been a home and family to countless people throughout the 138 years since.
The church is currently undergoing a renovation and revitalization program to help restore it to honor the parishes past and ensure its future. Excitement and enthusiasm are evident throughout the parish for the project.
Preparation for the project has been ongoing since November, 2016 when parish members Michele Schmitz and Helen Bishop embarked on a journey, visiting other area Catholic churches, to gain ideas for the renovation. They stopped at St. Mary Church in Altus, which had undergone a renovation developed by the Conrad Schmitt Studios. There they met Kevin Grabowski, project developer, who had just stopped for a few minutes to check on the completed project. It was a 20-minute window of opportunity that we arrived at St. Mary while Kevin was there, Helen said. “That unlikely crossing of paths with Kevin put into motion the project that will soon restore Sacred Heart Church to her divine splendor.”
This is a huge opportunity to actively put our faith in practice, Father Patrick Watikha, AJ, Sacred Heart pastor said. “As our mission statement says, ‘We are a family of disciples who seek in all things, God may be glorified.’ This is our chance to appreciate our predecessors’ sacrifice, commitment and generosity by preserving and maintaining their legacy.”
It is our responsibility, through the powerful love, zeal, and supportive spirit they instilled in us, Father Patrick added. “The proposed changes will enhance the original architecture of the church and preserve the building for many years to come.”
To help realize their goal, Sacred Heart Parish is conducting are vitalization and renovation campaign, reaching out with an invitation to participate.
The campaign seeks gifts and pledges that will allow the church to succeed with these ambitious dreams while increasing participation at Mass and engaging more young families, Deacon Mark Verkamp said. “Renewal of our church interior will help us honor our community’s past and ensure our parish’s future.”
The project is being developed by the internationally recognized Conrad Schmitt Studios Inc of New Berlin, Wis.
Highlights of this project include removal of the existing drop-down ceiling to reveal the original ornamental metal ceiling, which will be painted. The project will also include adding to the decorative finishes to highlight the existing church architecture and return focus to the altar and tabernacle. A Holy Spirit mural will enhance the sanctuary. The arched windows above thec urrent stained glass windows, which have been covered for many years, will be revealed. Twenty-two new stained glass windows will be added to complement the existing stained glass windows below, which will remain.
The project also includes new interior decorative painting along withnew light fixtures to better illuminate the restored interior. New carpet will beinstalled.
The projected cost of the restoration and renovation project is $480,000. With your prayers and financial support, the restoration and maintenance of the beautiful church will serve to preserve the worship space for generations to come, committee member Michele Schmitz said.
The processhas advanced quickly so far. The drop ceiling has already been removed andrepairs have been made to the plaster and metal ceiling. Electricians have alsobeen busy. An artist and his team are now on site and beginning the timeconsuming job of painting the interior.
For more information, or to make a donation or pledge, contact Sacred Heart Parish, 18 Prairie Street, P.O. Box 1087 Charleston, AR. 72933, or call (479) 965-2532. Email address is sacredheartcharleston@gmail.com. Checks can be made to Sacred Heart Parish Restoration Fund and mailed to the cxhurch.
A Benefit Bash for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church revitalization/renovation project will be held on Saturday, September 29 from 7 to 11:30pm at the Charleston Community Center. The event will include a meal, silent/live auction, beverages and dancing. The band, “One More Time,” will beperforming. Two of the members, Will Schmitz and Gene Haugh, were members of John Corbin and the Sundowners Band.
Tickets are $40 per person and are beingsold in advance, with a limited number being sold. Corporate sponsors canpurchase a table for $500. Must be 18 or older. To purchase a ticket contact Michelle Schmitz at 1-479-719-0899.
The first Catholic settlersarrived in the Charleston area in 1877. More families soon followed. In 1879, adelegation was sent to Little Rock to petition for permission to build achurch, which Bishop Edward Fitzgerald granted. The first church, dedicated by Bishop Fitzgeraldon November 18, 1880, was similar in design to the current church, but wasconstructed of wood. Before the new church was built, Mass was said once a monthin a parishioner’s home.
An influx of Catholic families inthe 1890’s created a need for a larger church. The cornerstone for the newchurch was laid in 1902 and stone was hauled by parishioners from a localquarry with horse drawn wagons. The new stone church was constructed around thesmaller wooden church. When the stonework was completed the wooden church wasdismantled and removed through the windows and doors. Parishioners celebratedthe 25th anniversary of the parish with the dedication of the newchurch made of native stone on June 12, 1904.
The church underwent a complete interior and exterior restoration in1952.
On Palm Sunday in 1968, shortly after Mass, a fire broke out in thesacristy causing damage in that area and smoke damage to the remainder of thechurch. It was decided at that time that instead of restoring the church itwould be more practical to make some changes.
A suspended acoustical ceiling was installed, wood windows were replacedwith aluminum and electrical changes were made and the new interior wasrepainted. As now, with the new renovation project, Mass was held in the parishhall during the remodeling project.
Thechurch has continued to grow throughout the years and today has approximately200 families.
