Parish History
The tapestry of a parish is composed of many colors. People, events, activities, the sacraments, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit all add a distinct hue to the tapestry. The tapestry of Sacred Heart Parish reflects a history filled with over 100 years of color. The preceding ten decades have been a time of joy and grace.
Our parish tapestry adds colors daily, as the community is nourished by the Eucharist, supported by each other, uplifted by God's blessings, and His many graces. May the presence of Jesus, His Mother and His Sacred Heart guide us in our ways. May our vision always be centered on Him. May all who see us know our discipleship "by our love for one another." May our next one hundred years be filled with the same grace and joy as the first one hundred.
Coronado Beach Company building at 124 Orange Ave. used as first chapel as a mission outreach of St. Joseph's parish in New Town. Three lots located at Palm and H Avenues acquired; however insufficient funding prevents building a church.
Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Fisher, owner of the drug store and Hotel Del Coronado housekeeper, respectively, gift fledgling Catholic community vacant lots at Seventh and C Avenue.
Records indicate that Father Antonio Dominic Ubach, Franciscan friar and first pastor of Immaculate Conception in Old Town routinely traveled to Coronado to celebrate the Eucharist.
Dedication ceremonies held on Easter with Father Ubach presiding. The chapel, seating capacity of approximately ninety, was erected on the site of the present-day Rectory.
Father Robert F. Byrne appointed by Bishop Thomas Conaty to serve as congregation's first resident pastor.
Father Byrne's resignation followed by a series of priests including Fathers Stotters, P.J. McManus, W. Bettle and J.J. Sheehey and Bannon.
Reverend James W. Collins (1852 - 1926) became pastor, a position which he held until 1924. It is Father Collins who began the prodigious task of building a larger church for Coronado's growing Catholic community.
Cornerstone of the church was laid on May 30 by Father Collins, Monsignor John Brady Bean of San Diego officiated. Original estimate was $25,000. Final cost approximately $40,000.
Original church moved to current site of parish hall and remodeled for this use. The old Rectory, initially located on C Ave. was relocated to corner of Miguel and Pomona Avenues.
Father John Purcell appointed pastor and guided the parish for thirty-five years.
Sacred Heart Parish School opened, staffed by Benedictine sisters from Atchison, Kansas.
Convent built.
Father Purcell elevated to the rank of domestic prelate by Pope Pius XII. Installation Mass was held in the parish church on December 9, 1953.
Monsignor Purcell retired and was succeeded by Monsignor John R. Portman.
Sacred Heart Church designated an historical site by the Coronado Historical Society.
Operation Facelift to include major renovations designed to center the celebration of the Eucharist toward the altar began as well as flooring replaced, pews refinished, painting and repairing both interior and exterior of the church with a careful emphasis on color to adhere to Gill's original intent. Father Michael Murphy was ordained.
Monsignor Portman retired and was succeeded by his co-pastor, Monsignor Jeremiah O'Sullivan.
Bishop Robert H. Brom appoints Fr. Michael F. Murphy.
Sacred Heart Parish goes online with its own website.