The
Catholic Community of Sacred Heart in Haworth was formed in 1914.
This year also marked the 10th Anniversary of the incorporation
of the Borough of Haworth. Mr. Benjamin Orcutt, representing twenty
families, made application to Bishop John J. O'Connor, D.D. in Newark
for permission to form a Catholic community in Haworth.
Much of the effort in organizing
the families and preparing the application can be credited to Jennie
Dedcker, Emma Ettinger, Matilda Hull and Benjamin Orcutt. Permission
was granted if the families could locate a priest from a neighboring
town to accept the leadership responsibilities for the formation
of a Mission Parish.
Father de Vincentiis (affectionately
know as Father D) agreed to take on these duties. Father D was then
serving as rector of St. Joseph in Oradell and previously had been
responsible for building St. Mary's Church in Dumont.
Father de offered the first mass
on December 6, 1914 (appropriately the first Sunday of Advent and
the beginning of the Church year). The community met for mass in
the real estate office of Mr. J. Hurd, located over the old police
headquarters on Terrace Street. |
In June,
1950 Sacred Heart Church was elevated from mission
status to that of a Parochial Church or Parish. Father Joseph Kinsella
was appointed the first resident Pastor.
At this time, the Parish Community
consisted of 80 families. Father Kinsella realized that the Parish
should begin providing for expansion of the Parish Community. Between
1952 and 1954 several parcels of land adjacent to the Church were
purchased with the aide of a $30,000 loan from the Archdiocese.
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It became apparent that deterioration
and aging conditions were developing in the "Little White Church".
Father Kinsella applied to Archbishop Boland in Newark for approval
to build a new church and auditorium.
In the fall of 1962 the plan
was approved and a steering committee formed to raise funds. Parishioners
pledged $166,000. The Rosary Altar Society and the Nocturnal Adoration
Society also provided very generous contributions. A mortgage for
$450,000 was obtained from Hackensack Trust Company. John Trich
of Oradell was chosen as the architect. The construction contract
was awarded to Sirubi and Sposa of Bergenfield. |
In early 1915, land
at the corner of Ivy and Park Street was purchased, for $1600, to
build a Church. Ground breaking ceremonies for the "Little
White Church on the Corner", as it was known in the community,
were held on April 26, 1915.
Two months later, the cornerstone
was laid on June 27, 1915 and blessed by Right Reverend Dean Cummeely,
rector of Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack, assisted by Father
D and trustees George Sweeney and Dr. Ettinger.
Today the cornerstone from the
"Little White Church on the Corner" is prominently displayed
in the garden around our current church sign. |
Many parishioners along with
Father Kinsella felt that the financial picture was favorable to
build an eight room school at the same time as the church and auditorium.
The school was completed first and opened in September of 1963.
The cornerstone of the new church
was laid in 1963 and the formal dedication was held on February
2, 1964 |
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The school was closed in June of 1978 due to a drastic decline
in enrollment that not only affected parochial schools but also
public schools in the region. The school was then leased to the
Bergen Center of Child Development who educate neurologically impaired,
mentally disturbed and multi-handicapped children.
The church underwent a major renovation and environmental updating
by Father O'Brien during the early 1990's and was dedicate by Archbishop
McCarrick.
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| Today
Sacred Heart Church is a community of over 650
families. We are grateful for the many volunteer ministries provided
by the members of our parish. Sacred Heart is truly a Community
of families worshipping together to strengthen our faith and to
provide a Catholic foundation for our children. |
Historic Events and Appointments
First Mission Pastor - 1914-1930 -
Father de Vincenris
First Baptism - April 12, 1915 - George
Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Lee
First Marriage - November 30, 1920
- Miss Frances Wodraska of Little Ferry to William McGloin of Haworth
First President of the Rosary Altar
Society - Mrs. Emma Ettinger
First President of the Holy Name Society
- Mr. Ambrose Farley
First Resident Parish Pator - 1950-1968
- Father Joeseph Kinsella
First Director of Religious Education
- Sister Anne Marie Lennon (1975)
First Youth Minister - Ken Evans (1981)
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