Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
United States·Charleston·Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
The Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic cathedral church and minor basilica located in Charleston, West Virginia. It serves as a co-cathedral for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, sharing episcopal duties with the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling. The basilica has a long history, evolving from a small mission church in the mid-19th century to its current status as a significant religious and architectural landmark.
Key Facts
- ›Established as Sacred Heart Parish on August 1, 1866, by Bishop Richard Vincent Whelan.
- ›The current structure's predecessor, the second Sacred Heart Church, was dedicated in December 1897.
- ›Designated as the co-cathedral for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston by Pope Paul VI on October 4, 1974.
- ›Elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on November 9, 2009.
- ›The basilica campus is a contributing property within the Downtown Charleston Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Capuchins
- Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity
H.B. Lowe
About Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
The Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a significant Roman Catholic church located in Charleston, West Virginia, United States. It holds the dual distinction of being both a co-cathedral for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and a minor basilica. Its establishment as a parish dates back to the mid-19th century, evolving from humble beginnings to its current prominent status.
History and Development
The Catholic presence in Charleston grew throughout the 19th century, leading to the establishment of Sacred Heart Parish on August 1, 1866. Initially, services were held in rented spaces. The first dedicated frame church was constructed in 1869. By 1875, the need for a larger sanctuary prompted fundraising for a new church, which was dedicated in December 1897 and designed by architect H.B. Lowe.
In the early 20th century, Capuchin priests took over the parish operations, initiating several improvements, including the installation of a marble high altar and stained glass windows from Munich. The church underwent extensive renovations between 1950 and 1951, with further updates to its baptistry and sacristies in 1956. The church campus also saw the construction of new educational facilities, including Charleston Catholic High School.
Designation as Co-Cathedral and Basilica
A pivotal moment in the church's history occurred on October 4, 1974, when Pope Paul VI renamed the Diocese of Wheeling as the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and designated Sacred Heart Church as its co-cathedral. This marked a significant elevation in its administrative and spiritual importance within the diocese. In recognition of its historical and religious significance, Pope Benedict XVI elevated Sacred Heart Church to the status of a minor basilica on November 9, 2009.
Architectural and Campus Features
While specific architectural styles are not detailed, the basilica has undergone numerous renovations and additions throughout its history. Notable alterations include the installation of a new mahogany cathedra, ambo, and altar in the 1980s, and a later controversial renovation in 2017 that introduced marble flooring and fixtures. The basilica campus also includes the John XXIII Pastoral Center and has historically housed cathedral schools, including Charleston Catholic High School. The basilica campus is recognized as a contributing property within the Downtown Charleston Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Diocese of Wheeling established?
The Diocese of Wheeling was established by Pope Pius IX on July 19, 1850. Bishop Richard Vincent Whelan was named its first bishop. The diocese covered the entire state of West Virginia.
What is the significance of Sacred Heart Church being a co-cathedral?
On October 4, 1974, Pope Paul VI renamed the Diocese of Wheeling and designated Sacred Heart Church as the co-cathedral. This means it shares the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston with the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.
When did Sacred Heart Church become a minor basilica?
Sacred Heart Church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on November 9, 2009. This designation recognizes its importance and historical significance within the Catholic Church.
What architectural styles are present in the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart?
While the text does not explicitly detail the architectural styles, it mentions the construction of a new church in 1897 designed by architect H.B. Lowe. Renovations in the 1980s included the installation of a new mahogany cathedra, ambo, and altar, and a later controversial renovation in 2017 involved marble flooring and fixtures.
What religious orders have been associated with Sacred Heart Parish?
The Capuchin priests took over the operation of Sacred Heart Parish in 1901 and ministered there for 79 years until 1980. The Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity were also involved in reopening and operating the cathedral school in the early 20th century.
Related Basilicas
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the fifth-largest cathedral in North America and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. Regarded as a prime example of French Gothic architecture in the Western Hemisphere, its construction spanned from 1899 to 1954. The basilica is noted for its impressive stained glass, including one of the largest rose windows in the Catholic Church, and houses the largest pipe organ built by the Schantz Organ Company.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Estrela
The Estrela Basilica, officially the Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a minor basilica and former Carmelite convent located in Lisbon, Portugal. It was commissioned by Queen Maria I as a fulfillment of a vow and stands as the first church globally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, representing a significant architectural undertaking of her reign.
National Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Tibidado
The National Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Tibidabo is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica situated on the summit of Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona, Spain. Its construction, initiated in 1902 and completed in 1961, was a response to early concerns about non-Catholic developments on the mountain and was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion popular at the time. The basilica is notable for its monumental neo-Gothic architecture atop a Romanesque crypt and its prominent bronze statue of the Sacred Heart.