Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rectory (Wilburton, Oklahoma) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rectory
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Location | 102 Center Point Rd., Wilburton, Oklahoma |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Latimer County Coal Mining TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003272 |
| Added to NRHP | November 6, 1980 |
The Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rectory is a historic church and home for priests located at 102 Center Point Road in Wilburton, Oklahoma. This special place was built in 1912 and has been used continuously ever since. The church building and the rectory (the priest's house) sit together on a one-acre piece of land.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on November 26, 1980. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. When it first opened, it was a church for coal miners and their families. At its busiest, about 150 people attended. Today, after the coal mining boom ended, the church serves around 75 to 80 people.
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What Does Sacred Heart Church Look Like?
The Sacred Heart Catholic Church has a simplified Gothic Revival style. This means it looks a bit like the grand, old churches from the Middle Ages, but with simpler details. The church building is about 48 feet (15 m) wide and 90 feet (27 m) long.
Special Features of the Church
On top of the church, there is a small steeple, which is a tall, pointed tower. The church is also known for its beautiful stained-glass windows. There are nine of these colorful windows along the north and south sides of the building, and two more in the front wall. These windows let in light and create a beautiful atmosphere inside.
The Rectory: A Home for Priests and More
The rectory is a three-story building located right next to the church. It has a porch that wraps around the north and east sides. Inside, the rectory still looks much like it did when it was first built. It has its original wooden floors and woodwork, which are very well preserved.
A Special Use for the Rectory's Third Floor
Interestingly, the third floor of the rectory had a very special purpose. It was used to house children who had become orphans because their parents were coal miners. This shows how the church and rectory were not just religious buildings but also important community centers.
Overcoming Challenges: Repairs After Storms
The church and rectory have faced some tough times, including damage from natural disasters.
Fire and Tornado Damage
In the 1930s, a fire damaged the roof and steeple of the church. But the community worked hard, and these parts were successfully repaired. Later, in 1975, a tornado caused more damage to the roof and steeple. The same storm also damaged the outside of the rectory. Just like before, all the damage was fixed, and the buildings were fully restored. This shows the strong spirit of the community.
How Sacred Heart Church Was Built
The land for the church and rectory was a gift from two important people: James Regnar and James McConnell. They owned the Eastern Coal and Mining Company.
Community Effort and Early Leadership
The employees of Regnar and McConnell played a huge role in building the church. After working long shifts digging coal all day, they volunteered their own time to help construct the facilities. This was a true community effort!
Regina and McConnell also helped bring Father Glynn, a missionary from New York, to Wilburton. Father Glynn became the first pastor of Sacred Heart Church. He was also very involved in education. Father Glynn ran a school for students from first grade all the way through twelfth grade until the late 1920s. The teachers at this school were Sisters of Mercy, who are Catholic nuns dedicated to education and service.
Images for kids
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Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rectory in Wilburton, Oklahoma.
