Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Kimberley, B.C.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Kimberly, B.C. Canada

Church Sign

"The first Catholic Church influence in Kimberley was initiated by Father Coccola, the famous priest, missionary and explorer who visited the new mines on the "hill" during the period of 1900-1910. Periodic visits were made by the missionaries from St. Eugene's and in 1910, when work assumed larger proportions, another great missionary, Father Duplanil visited Kimberley. He would come up from the Mission to say Mass in Joe Irwin's log cabin at 5:30 in the morning, as breakfast was at 6:00, and work began at 7:00 A.M.

"On April 16, 1911 the little mission had its first Easter Mass when Father Beck rode up from the Mission on horseback and said Mass in Tom Summer's Store, on Spokane Street.

"The spiritual needs of the Mission were attended to in like manner until 1922 when the first Sacred Heart Church was built by Father Bessette on the corner of Wallinger and Howard Street.

"It was a gala day when the church was blessed by Father Althoff, V.G. of Nelson, assisted by-Father Bessette and Father Stephen Murphy of Cranbrook. A choir and organist came from Cranbrook, and the little band of pioneer Catholics rejoiced that they had seen their dreams and hopes finally realized.

"History would not be complete without mentioning how our early pioneers worked together, regardless of race or creed. Not having their own choir or organist, Mr. and Mrs. John Dickson, parents of Mrs. J. J. O'Neill, volunteered their services, and the strains of Leonard's Mass in F wafted from the little church, sung by Mr. Dickson, a stalwart Presbyterian, and Mrs. Dickson, a staunch Anglican, who also played the organ. The Midnight Mass found Dick Burke holding a flashlight as Mrs. Dickson played and sang "Oh Holy Night".

"At the beginning of 1925 came the energetic Father Hartman, 0.M.I., under whose leadership the new church and rectory were built on the Church Hill and completed in 1927.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

"... the parish hall was built in 1958. This proved to be a much needed asset for the parishioners, as it became the center of C.W.L., Knights of Colum-bus and catechetical activities, kindergarten, classes, teas and catering.

"In May of 1967 ...Father Doyle arrived in Kimberley ...As well as attending to the spiritual needs of the parish, Father Doyle and Father Martin worked arduously to improve the appearance of both the church and the grounds. The church was also Bavarianized to blend with the City's new look, making a most pleasing and fitting landmark to welcome incoming and departing visitors to Kimberley."  (Link.)

Parish Hall, Built in 1958

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Photos: Taken in 2019 by Amy Wilson while visiting in Kimberley.

Link:   https://kimberleykeePaP pers.ca/others/catholic.shtml