| Sacred Heart Church was established in the early 1880s by Catholic settlers in early Pratt. Initially, they met in the homes of the Catholic faithful. In 1885, the first Catholic church in Pratt, St. James Church, was built on the current site of Sacred Heart Parish. The church was named after Pastor Fr. James O'Connor, and it served a total of 23 families. |
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Over time, the church outgrew the simple white frame structure, and a new red brick church was commissioned. Bishop J.H. Hennessy laid the cornerstone on December 11, 1907. The church was renamed and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 22, 1908. The original white frame church was moved to make way for the new church and was renovated for use as the first parish school. A new brick school building was built and ready for school in December of 1928. |
| Looking to the future, the need for a new, larger church to fill the worship needs of a fastgrowing parish was realized. In 1952, a contract was signed to begin construction of our current Sacred Heart church. The first Mass celebrated in the new church was Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve 1952, celebrated by Fr. Stewart. |
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In the Spring of 1966, the parish purchased property on 313 N Pine for the purpose of a new school. Ground was broken in December of 1968 and construction started on February 1 1969 after the old school was razed. The current Sacred Heart School was open for classes on August 28, 1969. |
| In the late 1970s, then Pastor Monsignor Zenner requested the parish start researching and making plans for an extensive renovation of the church's interior to bring the building into harmony with the ideals and requirements of the Church as expressed by the Second Vatican Council. After completion of the renovation, the church was rededicated on March 10, 1982, with Bishop Eugene Gerber presiding. |
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Today, Sacred Heart Parish has a rich, 137-year history and continues to serve the Pratt community with projects, missions, education, and service. Without the generations who have come before us, we would not have the facilities and opportunities to practice our Catholic faith and grow in our religious journey. As we move forward, let us come together again to bring our church back to its purpose and unite as a parish community. |
