Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston·Catholic·United States
The Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a prominent cathedral church and minor basilica in Charleston, West Virginia. It serves as a co-cathedral for the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, sharing episcopal duties with the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling. Its history traces back to the mid-19th century with the establishment of the first parish and has undergone several phases of construction and renovation, culminating in its designation as a basilica in 2009.
Key Facts
- ›Established as Sacred Heart Parish in 1866 and erected by Bishop Richard Vincent Whelan.
- ›The current structure's origins trace back to a second church dedicated in 1897, with significant renovations and additions occurring over decades.
- ›Designated as a 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 to the Downtown Charleston Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
- ›Experienced a controversial renovation in 2017 led by Bishop Michael Bransfield, involving the significant use of marble.
- Stained Glass Windows From Munich, Germany
- Marble High Altar
- Three Bells In the Tower
- Mahogany Cathedra, Ambo, and Altar
- Schantz 58-Rank, Three-Manual Pipe Organ
- Contributing Property In the Downtown Charleston Historic District
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 religious edifice in Charleston, West Virginia, serving as a co-cathedral for the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston alongside the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling. Its history began in the mid-19th century with the establishment of the first Catholic parish in Charleston, which was under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Richmond before becoming part of the newly formed Diocese of Wheeling in 1850.
Early History and Parish Formation
Following the establishment of the Diocese of Wheeling in 1850, Bishop Richard Vincent Whelan recognized the need for a formal Catholic presence in Charleston. While priests visited periodically, a settled ministry began to form after the American Civil War. Reverend Joseph Stenger returned to Charleston in 1866 and, with Bishop Whelan's support, established Sacred Heart Parish on August 1, 1866. Initially, the parish utilized a rented space and later purchased a brick building for use as a church and school. By 1869, a dedicated frame church was constructed. The parish grew, necessitating fundraising for a new, larger church, with architect H.B. Lowe commissioned in 1892 to design it.
Development and Renovations
The second Sacred Heart Church was dedicated in December 1897. Over the following decades, the parish saw numerous developments. The Capuchin priests took over the parish in 1901 and made significant additions, including a new rectory in 1902, a pipe organ in 1905, a marble high altar and stained glass windows in 1909, and bells for the tower in 1911. The church underwent extensive interior renovations between 1950 and 1951, with further updates to the baptistry and sacristies in 1956. A new convent was completed in 1958, and new pews were installed the same year. The exterior was sandblasted in 1961, and a significant artwork was added to the sanctuary ceiling in 1966.
Co-Cathedral and Basilica Status
A pivotal moment in its 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 the co-cathedral. The Capuchins departed in 1980, and a diocesan priest assumed the role of rector. The 1980s saw considerable renovation and building projects, including air-conditioning, window repairs, and the installation of a new pipe organ. A new mahogany cathedra, ambo, and altar were created by furniture maker Edward Hillenbrand. Bishop Francis B. Schulte dedicated the completed cathedral in 1988. On November 9, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI elevated Sacred Heart to the status of a minor basilica. In 2017, a controversial renovation led by Bishop Michael Bransfield involved extensive use of marble, replacing the existing mahogany appointments.
Educational Institutions
Sacred Heart has a long history of involvement with Catholic education. The first school opened in 1866, though it faced financial difficulties and closed in 1868. It was reopened in 1870 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, who also established St. Mary's Academy. Despite new buildings, the school closed again in 1892, and the academy in 1895. The Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity reopened the school in 1903. A new school building was opened in 1920, and high school classes began in 1922. Charleston Catholic High School was established with a new building cornerstone laid in 1940. The grade school was remodeled in 1942 and later added kindergarten classes. The current grade school building opened in 1962.
Recognition and Legacy
The Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart campus is recognized as a contributing property within the Downtown Charleston Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its journey from a small parish to a co-cathedral and minor basilica reflects its enduring importance within the Catholic community of West Virginia.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Diocese of Wheeling established and what is its relation to Sacred Heart?
Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Wheeling on July 19, 1850, covering the entire West Virginia area. In 1974, the diocese was renamed the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, and Sacred Heart Church was designated as its co-cathedral.
What was the first Catholic presence in Charleston?
The first Catholic priest to visit present-day West Virginia arrived in 1832. Bishop Richard Vincent Whelan of Richmond visited Charleston in 1842. The first Catholic priest to celebrate mass in the city did so in the city courthouse in 1836.
What significant events mark the history of the Sacred Heart Church building?
The second Sacred Heart Church was dedicated in December 1897. The interior was extensively renovated from 1950 to 1951, and the front portion of the rectory was completed the following year. A significant renovation occurred in 2017, which was later criticized for its expense.
When did Sacred Heart become a basilica and a co-cathedral?
Sacred Heart Church was designated as a co-cathedral for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston on October 4, 1974. It was elevated to the status of a minor basilica on November 9, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI.
What architectural styles are present in the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart?
The article text mentions the installation of stained glass windows from Munich, Germany, and the use of marble in later renovations. It also notes the architect H.B. Lowe was selected for a new church in 1892, but specific architectural styles of the various construction phases are not detailed.
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