Sacred Heart Cultural Center | Augusta

The Sacred Heart Cultural Center, located at 1301 Greene Street in Augusta, Georgia, is a historically and architecturally significant landmark that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Originally built as Sacred Heart Catholic Church, this building exemplifies stunning Late Victorian Romanesque architectural style and today serves as a focal point for arts, music, and community events in Augusta.

Historical Background

The church was established in response to Augusta’s expanding Catholic population in the late 19th century. The construction of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church began in 1897 under the direction of Jesuit Brother Cornelius Otten, a prominent architect known for his ecclesiastical designs. The church was officially dedicated on December 2, 1900. For over seven decades, it functioned as an active parish.

The building’s grandeur is underscored by its rich artistic details, including 94 stained-glass windows, many crafted in Munich, Germany. Among these are six remarkable rose windows that illuminate the interior with vibrant colors. The church also features an intricately carved Italian marble high altar, which remains a centerpiece of the sanctuary. Another unique characteristic of the building is its use of 15 different styles of brickwork, contributing to the textured, ornamental exterior typical of the Romanesque Revival style.

By 1971, due to dwindling parishioner numbers and rising upkeep costs, the church was closed. After years of neglect, the Knox family purchased the building in 1982, initiating a thorough restoration process. The renovation preserved the architectural integrity while repurposing the space to serve as a cultural center. The Sacred Heart Cultural Center officially reopened in 1987, giving the historic structure a new lease on life as a community arts venue.

Architectural Features

The Sacred Heart Cultural Center’s architecture is a rich combination of artistry and craftsmanship:

Exterior: The façade is dominated by twin spires reaching skyward, flanked by turrets and parapets that give the building a castle-like appearance. The brickwork varies in patterns and textures, with 15 distinct styles, which is highly unusual and visually captivating.

Interior: Inside, visitors find a barrel-vaulted ceiling soaring above the nave and a small dome positioned at the crossing of the transept, creating an airy, open atmosphere. The sanctuary area boasts the Italian marble high altar and multiple side altars, each with detailed carvings. The stained-glass windows filter natural light in an array of rich colors, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.

Cultural and Community Significance

Today, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center plays a vital role as a cultural institution in Augusta. It hosts a wide variety of events including classical and choral concerts, art exhibitions, holiday celebrations, weddings, and festivals such as the annual Sacred Heart Garden Festival. The center supports local arts organizations by providing office and rehearsal space in the former rectory and school buildings.

Organizations such as the Augusta Ballet, the Augusta Choral Society, and Symphony Orchestra Augusta operate out of the complex, making it a lively center for performing arts. Visitors can explore the building through self-guided or guided tours, which highlight the history, architecture, and stories connected to the site.

Visitor Information

Location: 1301 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901

Hours: Generally open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission: Self-guided tours are free; guided tours may have a nominal fee

Contact: The center can be reached by phone for event and tour information

Summary

The Sacred Heart Cultural Center is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse of a historic religious structure. It preserves and showcases outstanding architectural artistry while fostering a vibrant cultural life within the Augusta community. Its rich history, artistic features, and ongoing role as a cultural venue make it a treasured landmark and a must-visit location for those interested in history, architecture, and the arts.