CULLMAN – Sacred Heart Church is one of the oldest churches in Cullman. Its two large, cross-topped steeples can be seen from all over town. Area Catholics fill the massive church for its services. The iconic church is also used as a reference point when giving directions.
In 1877, shortly after Colonel Cullmann founded the City of Cullman, the Catholic settlers attended Mass, given by a circuit-riding priest named Father James Meurer.
Father James arrived in town on October 30, 1877, and soon established the parish and became the first resident pastor.
A full square block of land was given to the church from the railroad, and a small house for Father James was built. Next a small convent was constructed for the Sisters of Notre Dame, who, on December 16, 1878, busied themselves with establishing the new Sacred Heart Elementary School.
In 1899, five Benedictine Sisters arrived from San Antonio, Florida and replaced the Sisters of Notre Dame. The school has been under the Benedictine Sisters’ leadership ever since.
As a matter of fact, before St. Bernard Abbey was founded in 1891, the Benedictine Priests were serving Sacred Heart as pastors in 1888. Since then, priests from St. Bernard have continued to act as pastors of the church.
The current Sacred Heart School building was dedicated on March 21, 1950, on the feast of St. Benedict.
Construction of the actual building began in 1948, but to make the school match the church, there were some extra steps that had to be taken.
The face of each stone was hand-cut using a method devised by one of the parishioners at the time. The remaining sides were cut by machine. Once finished, Sacred Heart School was the first Church affiliated elementary school and the second private elementary school in Alabama. They received their certificate in January 1973.
Sacred Heart Church was dedicated in 1916, and among its most prominent features are the gorgeous stained glass windows that were designed in 1914 and built in Germany.
During the outbreak of World War I, while still in Germany, the windows were buried to protect them from harm. After the war, they were dug up, shipped to Cullman, and installed in 1920.
Those who have visited or currently attend Sacred Heart Church have heard the jaw-dropping sound of the ornate pipe organ. The organ is among the largest in northern Alabama. It was built in 1921, acquired by the parish in 1959, and overhauled in 1988.
People near and far can see Sacred Heart’s most prominent feature, the gold crosses that are at the top of its steeples. They were part of an extensive restoration project conducted on the church steeples and roof in 1999. They are, and will remain, a recognizable landmark to Cullman residents and visitors.
Rev. Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., the current Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey launched the Family Life Center Program in 1991. The Center is utilized by most every member of the parish.
Pastor, Rev. Patrick Egan, O.S.B. began studying for the priesthood in 2003 after retiring as a Colonel in the United States Army. Ordained in June 2008 and assigned as Pastor in August 2009, he continues to play a significant role in the church, as well as the community.
