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Sacred Heart Parish
History
Sacred
Heart Parish was founded in 1893. The Benedictine Fathers of Mount
Angel were asked to staff the parish in 1894, and continued to do
so until 1998. The present day church was originally located at southeast
Boise and Milwaukie Avenue. The pillars inside the church were cut
from the trees growing on the property. In 1910, property was purchased
from the Oregon Central Railroad Company and the church building was
moved to its present site at 11th and Center Street. The rectory was
built that year too. A school, hall, and convent were added later,
completing the parish complex as we know it today. The high ground
on the western edge of Brooklyn became known as Benedictine Heights
on Portland maps. This name remains as a reminder of the early Catholic
influence.
Sacred Heart Parish emerged
as a force in the neighborhood during its early growth. Gregory Hall
on Center Street has been the center of much and varied activity over
the years. In the 1920's, the hall was leased to Kiser Studios for
the production of silent films. Approximately twelve silent films
were made in the sandlot next to the hall. A young Boris Karloff played
in Flames, a movie about the logging industry, which was filmed
at Sacred Heart. In the 1940's, the Young People's Club sponsored
many dances for the young folks of the city.
Sacred Heart Parish has
long served the needs of the poor in this area and elsewhere. After
the stock market crash in 1929, Father Gregory Robl (pastor from 1903
to 1945) was instrumental in providing food as well as finding jobs
for people. After WWII, clothing, blankets, and food were packed at
our rectory for shipment to the war torn countries of Europe.
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