Sacred Heart Cultural Center, Augusta, Georgia

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”

Antonine de Saint-Exupery

We had passed by this magnificent cathedral many times over the years but hadn’t been inside in years, so we thought it was time to make a return visit. This exquisite cultural center was once the home to Sacred Heart Catholic Church which sits on the corner of Green Street and 13^th Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia. This historic landmark is one of the first things you see when driving into the city on John C. Calhoun Expressway.

Walking around the outside of this amazing building, you can see the imposing marble steps leading you to the three graceful arched doorways in the front of the church with a historic marker between them stating this building made the National Register of Historic Places with a date of 1900. This cathedral was built in the Victorian Romanesque style with Byzantine influence. You can see one of the best examples of Victorian masonry work with fifteen styles of brickwork in place that grace this grand building. It is amazing to see the beauty and details of this place. The bricks were made and brought in from South Carolina right across the Savannah River. Looking up you can see two towering spires that reach toward the sky.

Joe and I walked down the landscaped path to the side of the building and entered through the doorway showing a sign saying Gift Shop and Office. When we entered, we were facing the gift shop and were greeted by two lovely ladies who warmly welcomed us. They gave us a little background of the building and let us know about the hallway that displays works from local artists.

Art exhibit of local artist inside the cultural center.

The original Sacred Heart Church was built on a lot purchased by Father Theodore Butler. He purchased the home and lot for $10,000 to build a church in 1874. It was a wooden structure that is still standing and is now the Red Cross Building located at 1322 Ellis Street. This building became too small after a large influx of Irish immigrants who made their way to Augusta after the Great Famine in Ireland. They realized they needed to build a new larger church.

This cathedral was designed by a Jesuit Priest named Brother Otten. The cornerstone of this cathedral was placed in 1898, and was later dedicated in 1900, and consecrated in 1907. The first church service was held here on December 2, 1900 by a Jesuit Priest. The pipe organ and choir were said to be one of the finest in the area. The church doors were always open and welcoming all to come in.

Wrought iron fence that surrounds the church.

Over the years, many people started leaving the downtown area after WWII, two devastating floods, and the decline of Sacred Heart School. There was diminished support with everyone leaving the downtown area and with the constant maintenance needing to be done on the property it was too much for the smaller congregation to handle. That was the final straw. The last mass was held here July 3, 1971 after 70 years of service. The cathedral sadly closed its doors.

Sacred Heart remained closed for 16 years and was nearly destroyed with vandalism and lack of repairs. Clyde Wells, the Augusta Chronicle cartoonist drew a picture of the cathedral with a for sale sign in front of it and wrote, “To destroy a work of man’s creative beauty is to bruise the soul of all who ever looked upon it.” So true.

Aloysius of the Italian house of Gonzaga

Stanislaus Kostka a nobleman who had a vision to join Jesuit Order.

Then, Augusta’s angel appeared in the picture to save this building, Peter Seymour Knox, Jr. The Peter S. Knox family took on this huge project and completely renovated this building in 1987. He commissioned Conrad Schmidt to restore the stained glass windows that were originally made in Munich, Germany. They cleaned up the Italian marble alters, made the needed repairs, painted, and brought this building back to life.

Statue of Jesus revealing his Sacred Heart

Now thanks to his generosity, it is back to all its glory and is now used for cultural events, proms, weddings, wine fest, choral concerts, Christmas events, and a huge yearly garden show. They have a kitchen that is located behind the alter for caterers and tables located here to use for events. It is a great venue to rent.

Depicts when Bernadette saw Mary in her grotto at Lourdes. 

Altar of the Blessed Virgin

Stations of the cross are still there. 

Facing towards the front doors of the cathedral

Last supper

We walked up the stairs and entered this breathtaking huge room. The altars are still in place and are magnificent. The statues in this building are impressive long with the 94 stained glass windows that are detailed and the scenes depicted on them are poignant. The colors are brilliant and they are something to see. The stations of the cross still glorify the sides of the building and the confessionals are still in tack. The arched detailed ceilings were built to make your eyes look towards Heaven. The acoustics were very interesting in this building where when Joe and I were apart and we spoke to each other, it was hard to understand but music carried beautifully. The original wooden altar is located near the new altars and you see a what appears to be a vibrant half shell behind it. That was to help the acoustics so everyone could hear the priest. Looking at the ceiling we saw the beautiful painted dome with windows that lets the sun pour in.

Confessional

Depicts Mary's coronation as Queen of Heaven 

Choir loft looking down towards the altar

Gate from Choir loft to stairs

Choir loft and organ would be on the left.

Choir loft with cabinet where the organ was.

View from choir loft

Rose window

Every detail was taken care of during the renovation.

Spiral staircase to choir loft. 

We went to the front of the church where they have a small museum of pictures and items used during the time this was open as a cathedral. On the other side of the front of the church are the spiral steps up to the choir loft. We held onto the rail and walked up. On that top floor, the views of this church are amazing. This is where the choir sat and where the original organ was located. That organ was destroyed and a newer one has replaced it and is located downstairs. It must have been something to be part of the choir singing in this gorgeous building. After we walked back down, we opened the side door and went out to the courtyard and took some pictures. There was a lovely with a beautiful garden and green grass that was very well cared for.

Sign in museum

Museum items

Votive or prayer candle holder

A picture of the church with pews intact

Baptismal font

Entry gate to courtyard and brick chimney of the old boiler room used to heat the school.

Courtyard 

This is a must see if you are in Augusta, Georgia. It is located at 1301 Green Street and the church is open Monday – Friday 9 – 5 and the gift shop 10 – 5. Check them out at: http://sacredheartaugusta.org.

Gift shop

“History and beauty lie in the baroque wrinkles of old cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, temples and faces whose stories are told without a single word.”

Khang Kijarro Nguyen