Beginning of the Parish
Sacred Heart Parish began from the desire of nine lay Catholics to organize an English-speaking parish in Effingham, IL. Bishop James Ryan granted permission and formally opened the church in 1892 with Fr. Patrick Ducey as its first pastor. The original church was located at the corner of Fayette Avenue and Banker Street.
'Church in the Round'
Under the tenure of Fr. Gerald Wiegand, Sacred Heart Parish outgrew the original church and nearly eight decades after it began, Sacred Heart established a new home for parishioners. In 1969, Bishop William O'Connor dedicated the current 'church in the round' located at the corner of Fayette & Keller Avenue in Effingham.
125th Anniversary
In 2017 we celebrated the 125th anniversary of Sacred Heart Parish. It was a beautiful time to remember our heritage and reflect on the fortitude of our founders. Those nine organizers of the parish were: Mrs. Alice Partridge, Mr. John H. Fisher, Mr. John C. Eversman, Mr. A.J. Worman, Mr. Samuel Campbell, Mr. Thomas Leddy, Mr. Edward Bannin, Mr. George Hogan, and Mr. Henry G. Habing. It was because of their love of the Catholic Church and their desire to begin an English-speaking parish that Sacred Heart Parish exists today. We are grateful for their sacrifices and dedication.
Renew and Rejoice
A special restoration project was completed in 2020 providing a newly renovated church inside and out. New flooring, a new sound system, refinished pews, refurbished stained glass windows, a new altar and baptismal font, new energy efficient doors, and new landscaping are just a few of the features included in the restoration. A 3,500-square-foot Narthex was also added, providing a gathering place for parishioners and guests before and after Masses, as well as for special events. Many generous donors and volunteers made this restoration possible and Sacred Heart Parish will be forever grateful.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God."
(Romans 8:28)
Strengthen & Secure
As part of a larger, diocesan-wide Centennial Campaign, Sacred Heart introduced our Strengthen & Secure Campaign in 2025. The campaign focused on exterior enhancements (new water feature, new signage, landscaping, boulevard at the Raney Street entrance, and overall beautification of our campus), security enhancements at church and school, and school improvements to update flooring, commercial appliances, etc. Additionally, a new pavilion will be built near our playground, providing additional seating at our annual picnic, outdoor classroom space for our teachers/students, and a meeting place for other events throughout the year. Upon completion of these projects, all additional funds will be added to our school endowment, helping strengthen and secure the future of Sacred Heart for generations to come.
The Parish Today
Today we have a vibrant, faith-filled church and a Christ-centered school focused on making disciples and investing in the next generation.
The same spirit of love which guided the early days of the parish, continues to manifest as current parishioners join together to worship, to celebrate our faith, and most importantly to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
