By Linda Reeves
The 150th anniversary celebration of Sacred Heart in Fleming Island was months in the making, but the history and legacy behind the sesquicentennial span generations, encompassing faithful priests, bishops and families.
Bishop Erik Pohlmeier reflected on Sacred Heart’s journey during a celebratory Mass on June 7, the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the parish’s namesake. “It is certainly a great joy to gather for this wonderful anniversary,” said Bishop Pohlmeier. He humorously invited the original parishioners to raise their hands and acknowledged four former Sacred Heart pastors: Father Michael Pendergraft, Msgr. James Boddie Jr., Father Donal Sullivan and Father Luke McLoughlin.
“I have celebrated many anniversaries, but this is my first 150-year celebration,” continued Bishop Pohlmeier. “It is wonderful to gather our community to recall the legacy of faith and the people who committed to building God’s kingdom here, giving their time and energy over the centuries. We celebrate this legacy and ask God for grace to plant seeds for future generations so this community may continue to grow.”
Looking Back to the Beginnings
In 1872, Bishop Augustin Vérot, the first bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, visited Catholic families in Green Cove Springs. He met Rafael Canova, a former St. Augustine mayor, and sheriff. This meeting led to the establishment of a mission that would touch many hearts.
The Mission Church
In 1874, a wooden building with seating for 100 was built on diocesan property, with Mr. Canova overseeing construction and personally funding it when necessary. Father William J. Kenny and Father Patrick Barry, who later became bishops, were among the first clergy to serve the mission.
The 1900s brought cars, trains, roads, highways and significant events like the Great Depression and two world wars. Despite these challenges, the mission endured. In 1941, Father Thomas McDonough, later a diocesan auxiliary bishop, was appointed the first pastor, and the flock numbered 81, including military personnel.
Fathers John Fitzpatrick and John Love followed. Masses were standing-room-only, and the old building was deteriorating. Father Love added Masses and started celebrating outdoors until a local theater manager offered space, which doubled attendance.
A new mission church was unveiled on October 13, 1946, with an inaugural Mass. The mission-style church featured the old bell from the first building. Father Love thanked the faithful for their support in building the church.
From Mission to Parish
The mission became a parish on June 17, 1954, experiencing numerous pastors, including Father Charles Spellman, Father William DuBois, Father John Hosinski and Father Michael Reynolds. Gwen Castelli remembers the 1960s when she and her husband, Buzz, became involved, raising their four boys in the parish.
“We were totally involved,” she said. “The boys were altar servers, my husband was a lector and usher, and I was involved in bereavement ministry. Sacred Heart became our life and our family.” The parish experienced numerous sacraments, picnics, holiday gatherings and the annual spring festival. In 1974, the parish celebrated its centennial with a grand jubilee Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul Tanner, recognizing living members of the Canova family.
The Next 50 Years
Sacred Heart continued to see new faces in the pews and at the pulpit, including pastors like Father Charles Spellman, Father Joseph Corde, Father Diego Conesa, Father Edward Rooney, Father Joseph Barry, Father Patrick Foley, Father Luke McLoughlin and Father James Boddie. The Hispanic ministry, Council of Catholic Women and Knights of Columbus were added, strengthening community bonds.
“Sacred Heart is a close-knit parish,” said Pat Lougheed, a parishioner for 35 years. “It is a wonderful parish that I call home and have made many wonderful friends.”
A New Church
Father Donal Sullivan oversaw the construction of the new Fleming Island church, 10 miles north of the old mission. Bishop John J. Snyder celebrated a Mass to bless and dedicate the new church on May 13, 2001, attended by many of the 460 registered families.
“It is exciting to see the dream, hard work, prayer and sacrifices of so many people come to fruition,” said Father Sullivan. “I anticipate that the parish will continue to grow and serve more families in the years to come.”
Sacred Heart Today
Father Sullivan’s expectations continue to be met. Father Michael Pendergraft became pastor in 2015, serving for eight years. Father Marek Dzien now leads the faith community, taking pastoral care of 1,500 families.
“Sacred Heart is a community of communities,” said Father Dzien. “From the beginning, the parish was open to others and part of the larger Green Cove Springs community. Today, we are active in Clay County, spending over $100,000 per year on social ministries and agencies.”
Sacred Heart continues forward in the spirit of its pioneers, whose dedication and love for their faith and God laid the foundation for a thriving community.
