Sacred Heart church stands on Clermont Avenue between Park Avenue (to the left and south) and Flushing Avenue (to the right, with the Navy Yard). The parish was established in 1871 and this church completed in 1877. About 2008 Bishop Dimarzio renamed the parish Mary of Nazareth parish, with the absorption of St. Michael - St. Edward parish, later closed. His decree dated 11.12.2010 suppressed the parish of St. Lucy - St. Patrick and merged it into the parish of Mary of Nazareth, 41 Adelphi Street, but St. Lucy - St. Patrick continues to show up on the diocesan list of parishes. When I took these photos of Sacred Heart church in April, 2012, I could find no exterior Mass schedule, but the diocesan website shows a Thursday 7:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish and a Sunday bilingual Mass at 10:30 a.m. The diocesan website also lists Mass four times a week at St. Patrick's church, Kent and Willoughby Avenues.
The rectory at the right is at 41 Adelphi Street, Brooklyn, New York 11205, telephone 718-625-5115.
The large school bears the name Sacred Heart Institute from an earlier era. From 1973 to 1985 it was Fort Greene Catholic. Now, the closest door has two signs, Greenhill School and Sacred Heart Religious Instruction Center. The 2011 edition of the Official Catholic Directory states that there were 125 students in religious education.
According to this document on Wallabout Cultural Resources, Thomas F. Houghton designed the church, the rectory, and the institute.
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On 5.8.2014, a reader wrote (see comment below) that she would like photos of the interior of the church. She also remarked about the organ. The New York organ project offers a description of the church and its organ, linked here.
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On 5.8.2014, a reader wrote (see comment below) that she would like photos of the interior of the church. She also remarked about the organ. The New York organ project offers a description of the church and its organ, linked here.
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In the 1960's, I took my communion and confirmation in this church, and attended the grammar school adjacent to the church, Sacred Heart Grammar School. This jewel of a church has one of the most beautiful interiors I've ever seen and I hope that you one day post some pictures. The church organ was a particular gem. It's been a good 40+ years since I've been inside, I have no idea how it might have aged, but I hope someone has been looking after it.
ReplyDeleteI attended Sacred Heart Grammar School from 1954 to 1962...my grandfather owned Timmermann's Deli around the corner on Park and Adelphi...a lot of fond memories growing up there...
DeleteCraig Timmermann
Can you tell me who was the priest / pastor there in 1959?
DeleteMsgr. Dwyer
DeleteI attended Sacred Heart in the mid 60's along with my two sisters and brother. My mother was a lay-teacher there as well. I have many fine and vivid memories of my time there. I became an alter boy and remember Father Fredrickson as a kind and gentle soul. My father was in the US Navy and was stationed at the Navy Yard with Admiral John McCain.
ReplyDeleteI also attended Sacred Heart School from 1965 through 1969. I lived at 200 Flushing Avenue right across the street from the Navy Yard. I remember my uniform, white shirt,Navy blue pants and tie with SHS weaved onto the tie. Perhaps we attended at the same time? I served as an Altar Boy as well and remember Fathers Fredrickson, Haggerty, Mons. Dywer, Father Murphy and Father Sullivan, who became pastor I believe around 1967 or 1969. I also recall the Sisters of Mercy who taught us. Here are the nuns that taught me and whom I remember.....Sister Mary Edmond (Mother Superior), Sister Mary Loretto, Sister Mary Jonathan, Sister Mary Lucretia and a Sister Francis. I also have such wonderful and vivid fond memories of that time. I honestly wanted to become a priest because of the priest who inspired me. And it seems I was always serving Mass any opportunity I could get. I'm sure we could share stories about our days at Sacred Heart Church. So glad I came upon this site today and your posting. Thanks for reading my reply. Rafael. My email is rafa4april@gmail.com
DeleteI also attended Sacred Heart from 1965-1969. I lived at 200 Flushing Avenue right across the street from the Navy Yard. I recall my uniform of a white shirt, Navy blue pants and tie with SHS weaved onto the tie itself. I served as an Altar Boy and remember Father's Fredrickson, Haggerty, Murphy, Algara, Mons. Dwyer and Father Sullivan, who became Pastor around 1967 or 68. I remember the Sisters of Mercy, who were my teachers. Sister Mary Edmond, Mother Superior, Sister Mary Jonathan, Sister Mary Loretto, Sister Mary Lucretia and Sister Francis. Perhaps we attended at the same time? So glad I found your posting. Here is my email, just in case: rafa4april@gmail.com. Thanks and take care.....Rafael
DeleteI graduated in 1968 sister mary Josette,sister mary perpetua was the principal at that time along with fr haggerty and Sullivan.It was a great time to be there at tis gem .Moon j lavalle and John alleva,doreen Donavan,laura boto,lucy Agnese any flashbacks also the very pretty diane romano
DeleteI WENT TO SACRED HEART TILL 1968 SIS MARY PERPETUA WAS PRINCIPIL
DeleteI was baptized from Sacred Heart in 1954!
ReplyDeletei attended sacred heart from 1956-1960. seeing the picture of the church with the school yard brought back so many memories. the convent was acrossed the yard from the church and many a kid waited at the gate with outstretched arms to be the lucky student who got to carry a nun’s bag!! my dad worked across the street at the navy yard and we lived down the road in the projects. the sisters of mercy were the best and i was sure i would grow up to be one!
ReplyDeleteAmazing your comment about students waiting at the gate to have the privilege of carrying the Sister's school brief case. I attended Sacred Heart from 1965-1969 and that practice was still going. I remember the Sister's would come out of the kitchen door on the side of the convent that faced the school yard. They would walk up a few steps and few of us would wait at that small gate with stretched arms and hoping to be handed their school brief case. Once that happened, we did not have to stand in line by class and wait to enter the school. One would automatically go in first alone and not by class. We'd place the brief case on the Sister's desk and sit down to wait for the others to come in. THANK YOU for mentioning this, it brought back a flood of wonderful memories for me.
DeleteDoes anyone remember Sister Mary Theresa? She would have been at S. C in the 50's.
ReplyDeleteI attended Sacred Heart in the mid 50's. Does anyone remember Sister Mary Theresa . L Bryant
ReplyDeleteI also was a student at Sacred Heart. I attended from 1965 through 1969. I was also an Altar Boy at Sacred Heart Church. We had at least 5 priest in residence at the Rectory on Adelphi Street. I recall, Father Walter Murphy (who later years later was named a Monsignor years later and appointed pastor). I served my first Mass with him. There was also Father James Haggerty, Father Algara (from Spain) and Monsignor Dwyer (he was a retired pastor, but still in residence when I was there). I also knew Father Fredrickson. He was later transferred to Saint Peter and Paul Parish in Williamsburg. The Sisters of Mercy (RSM) taught us. Names that come to mind are Sister Mary Edmund, the principal and Mother Superior. Sister Mary Jonathan (the tallest one). Sister Mary Loretto (who I found out a few years ago is still in the Order and is or was working as a chaplain on Riker's Island. I got this from the former Mother House in Clinton Hill. Sister Mary Loretto is now known by her name prior to entering the convent, Sister Mary O'Connor. I also remember Sister Mary Lucretia (she was the only Sister that would get on the roller coaster with us on our annual June trip to Rye Playland. She was adventurous and younger. Finally, one of the last teachers I had was Sister Frances (funny she did not use Mary in front). With post Second Vatican Council initiatives and reforms took effect, the Sisters of Mercy no longer wore the old habit. In 1968, the "modified" black habit was introduced. It took some getting use to seeing actual legs (the habit was a little below the knees and not long). And the Sister were NOT bald like we thought...lol. They DID have hair. I will never forget those years at Sacred Heart, they were the BEST growing up. If I could only go back in time just for one day. Let's keep the conversation going. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePS: I am the former student at Sacred Heart 1965-1969 who posted today. Another person mention a Sister Mary Perpetua...I also remember her as Principal in 1968. She succeeded Sister Mary Edmund as Mother Superior as well. Father Arthur Sullivan was the last pastor I knew before I moved to Queens in 1969.
ReplyDeleteI attended Sacred Heart in the 60's loved the school and the church. The Nun's were great they made sure you learned and studied. Great memories great Neighborhood and friends. Nothing like the good ole day's.
ReplyDeleteAMEN and AMEN to that Frank D.
DeleteMy girlfriend Elena Cretella attended SH in the mid-60s. She didn't want to post it so i figure i'd do it for her. She recalls fond memories at this church. She recalls a lot of these names of the fathers and sisters. One name she didn't see mention was father goonan. Luis tuzzi was her uncle and was very involved in the church during the 60s. She does recall many classmates as well. Elena was also a receptionist at the rectory in the early 70s as a young teenager. Margie was a cook there who had passed away.
ReplyDeleteShe recalls lining up along the gates prior to entering the building as a student. There was a candy store that the students used to go to next to jerry's luncheonette on park avenue. Elena said the neighborhood has changed drastically but one thing that has stood the test of time was sacred heart.
Just read the comments by a friend of Elena Cretella. By any chance did Elena hwve a brother named Salvatore? If so, he and I were friends, classmated and Altar Boys togethet at Sacred Heart circa 1966 through 1969. I recall Salvatore and his family had a house on the corner Adelphi St. and Park Ave. It was on the other side of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from the Rectory. Any comments? Rafael
ReplyDeleteIn reply to rafael, i went to Sacred Heart from 1961-69. I remember the cretellas too, but the one i remember most was Ralph. I think he was older and hung out with my brother. I also remember their house on that corner. The other names that come to mind are sister Mary Deborah and sister mary murphy who were younger than most of the other nuns and sister mary suzanne who was on the chubby side and sister mary philippine. I heard rumors that she and sister mary edmund were cousins. On the south side of the expressway the corner of park and Adelphi was dellanos grocery store. My parents were friends of the owners and their son Anthony became a priest. I lived at 48 Adelphi directly across from the school. If we both graduated the same year i dont know why i dont remember anyone by your name. The kids i remember were Anthony Blasi Eddie Hasselbacha and Larry La mura Frank Gaeta for the boys and Susan deservio theresa concilio and adele fortunato for the girls. Also Rafaella Ruocco who was my maid of honor. Anyway my name is Marie Tramontano and my pic is in the diplomas we got upon graduation. It was nice taking a stroll down memory lane. If you like please reply at my email...tatina11281954
DeleteIm sorry rafael, but after my reply to you was posted, I realized i didn't put my whole email add in. Its tatina11281954@gmail.com
DeleteReply to Unknown Re: Elena Cretella. I lived at 200 Flushing Avenue from 1963-1969. I initially attended P.S. 46 on Clermont Avenue, then my mother enrolled me in catechism classes at Sacred Heart in preparation for my first Holy Communion in 1964. I recall the Sisters of Mercy, in particular, a very tall Sister Mary Jonathan coming to pick us up on Wednesday from the public school. I fully enrolled at SHS in 1965. I was an Altar Boy from 1967-69 with my best friend at that time in school by the name of Salvatore Cretella. I often visted him to play. His family, parents, siblings and grandmother owned a home right on the corner of Adelphi Street and Park Avenue right by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The house was on the other side of Park Avenue from the Rectory. The house is still there by the way. Question to "Unkown" is Elena Cretella related to Salvatore, are the siblings? If so, I've often thought of my childhood friend Salvatore and what ever became of him? Perhaps I will know at some time. Please comment. If Salvatore remembers, my name was Celio (and still is....Rafael is my middle name which is what I use now). THANKS!
ReplyDeleteYes! 68 adelphi st. Our grandmothers food was incredible! Sal is my brother. Remember Ms. Capelli who owned the stationery store on Park avenue?.
DeleteHi Rafael.. yes.. Sal is doing well. Thank you for asking. Hope you guys are safe
DeleteReply to Curious: So sorry for the delay responding. I do not get a chance to visit this site too often. Oh my God! You're Salvatore's brother? WOW! Please let your brother know that a classmate from the mid 1960s and fellow Altar Boy at Sacred Heart asked about him. You can tell him Celio asked, I used to live at 200 Flushing Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues. We both served at Mass with Father James Haggerty at times. Also, school there with the Sisters of Mercy teaching us. I moved away in June of 1969 to Queens and never got a chance to say so long to Sal. Would it be possible to exchange emails with him? Please let me know. Thanks soooooo much!!!
DeleteMy mom and dad were married in that church in 1955. My dad used to live on Clermont Ave. They are both gone now, but the memory of them lives on. The inside looks exactly the same as in their wedding video.
ReplyDeleteMarlene T.
Hello Marlene, My name is Marie Tramontano and I used to live at 48 Adelphi and went to Sacred Heart from 1961-69. We moved to Myrtle Ave between Adelphi and Clermont around 64 but continued to go there. I had a classmate who lived on Clermont and Myrtle. We graduated together. My email is tatina11281954 if you'd like to respond.
ReplyDeleteI already replied to a few people here, my name was Marie Tramontano and went to Sacred Heart from 1961-69. I was hoping someone would remember the building directly across the street from the schoolyard. If I remember correctly that build ok ng was a prison because you could see the barbed wire. Its strange to think they'd build a prison so close to an elementary school. And a Catholic school at that. If anyone does remember that building my email add is tatina11281954@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteIt was a jail for navy personnel. They used to whistle at the girls when we come out school especially on Wednesday noon for cattachism class.
ReplyDeleteYes i remember that sister mary kevin would make us look down was there in the 50!s sang in the choir!!
DeleteI graduated in 1963 from sacred heart. All of my siblings went there as well. Would love to hear from any classmates
ReplyDeleteJoanne Cretella Carraturo
Graduated.with
DeleteMaryann1966
Graduated in 1966
DeleteI also graduated in 1963 from sacred heart Sister Mary Inviolate was our teacher.
DeleteMy question is this.
ReplyDeleteHow old is this school? I have a diploma of my grandmother's from Sacred Heart School dated 1907. She was born in 1893 so she would have been 13 or 14 at the time of graduation. I don't know if this was the school or if the original school was someplace else in brooklyn and has since been torn down.
thanks
pz pezzano
Hi, Perhaps you've already found out how old the school building was, it not, I've found the following. I am citing from another source. **Sacred Heart Academy was built at a cost of $90,000 and opened on September 8, 1888.** I hope this has helped.
DeletePer another source, I've found the following: Sacred Heart Academy was built at a cost of $90,000 and opened on September 8, 1888. Hope this helps.
DeleteLooking to hear from anyone who has any memories or recollections of Sister Mary O'Connor. She was teaching there in the 1940 census and am assuming she continued to teach there for a while. She also could have been known as Sister Mary Damian. My email address is scottish_bird@yahoo.com. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI have great memories from SHS. I graduated in 1972 and went to Bay Ridge HS. Later Moved to FL. Fond memories from SHS and yes, it was a beautiful church. Me and my 4 siblings (Maggie went to Bishop Loughlin, Patty,Hannya and Robert) we lived at 72 Clermont Ave until we moved to
ReplyDeleteI have great memories from SHS. I graduated in 1972 and went to Bay Ridge HS. Later Moved to FL. Fond memories from SHS and yes, it was a beautiful church. Me and my 4 siblings (Maggie went to Bishop Loughlin, Patty,Hannya and Robert) we lived at 72 Clermont Ave until we moved to
ReplyDeleteI atteneded sacred heart school in the early 70s. I remember sister Regina was my grade teacher. I remember Ms Perrini being the 6th grade teacher. I did my communion and confirmation at sacred heart. I was in the play the little drummer boy. I remember our uniform was a plaid skirt,white shirt with a plaid tie that snapped at the neck. My very best friends name was Theresa Aranada. Some of my classmates were Eddie Johansen,Francis Berman,Rosanne Dichirico,who was the bully of the class.I also remember Armando Rodriguez,and william Ortiz. I use to love waiting on the yard when the sister would would come out and pick a kid to ring the big bell,and all the kids would line up. I also remember the sisters would invite me into the motherhouse to have breakfast with them. I would eat a big bowl of cheerios. I lived in Fort Greene projects and walked to school.This was a time in my life,I really liked going to church back then. Good memories.
ReplyDeleteMary Rodriquez was my name back then.
Mary, I hope you see this reply to your post. I was the 4th grade teacher at Sacred Heart School in 1970-71. I remember you and the names you mentioned. I hope you are doing well. Are you still in Brooklyn? One of my fondest memories was the day I used the word "y'all". All the students started laughing, but by the end of the school year my 4th graders were saying "y'all" just like a Texan. I am on facebook if you want to contact me. Stay safe and God bless, Olivia Roeckl
DeleteWow, this was much fun reading all of these post. Looking at the dates I am not confident that any of the posters will see my entry. But here goes: I went to Sacred Heart from 1963 and Graduated 1971. I am a twin and my sister was a grade ahead of me because I was held back in second grade by Sr. Mary Nora. My closest friends then were Michael C, Marie G, Debbie R, Raymond S (his mom was my brownie leader), Juan M. and Anne M. I am sure I may be leaving someone out. Our eighth grade teacher was Sister Suzanne (later known as Sister Ann). We also had Sr. Eileen, Mr. McCann, just to name a few. All the girls had a crush on Mr. McCann. I still remember his yellow buggy and it's license plate number. He used to have trick questions like that for extra credit on exams. It would be great to get a response from a past classmate. Tell me my twin sister's first name (no last name please)and I will know you know me. Hope everyone is doing well with this Pandemic.
ReplyDelete