A History of the Sacred Heart Community

In the second half of the nineteenth century, the city of Lynn expanded and its population grew in response to the success of the many manufacturers who found a  home here, bringing with them workers and their families who settled in Lynn.  In 1894, Sacred Heart was established to meet the needs of the growing population of Catholics who settled in West Lynn.

Father Dennis F. Sullivan was appointed as the first pastor on June 21, 1894.  The parishioners began worshipping in the cigar factory on Wyman Street as they waited for the completion of the basement  church on Boston Street, which opened almost two years later.

In 1902, property was acquired on Robinson Street and Sacred Heart Grammar School was built.  The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur staffed the school until 1930, at which time, the Sisters of St. Joseph taught the children.  The upper church was dedicated in 1912.  The seventh pastor of Sacred Heart, Monsignor Francis J. McDonnell, was aware of the needs of an active parish community and commissioned the construction of the Sacred Heart Parish Center, which was completed in 1969.  The center contained classrooms, a kitchen, gym, stage, and offices.  The original building for the school on Robinson Street required a great deal of renovations and the decision was made to move the school to its present location and in 1989, the Monsignor Francis McDonnell Center became the home of Sacred Heart School. 

The number of Sisters dwindled over the years and the convent was closed.  However, the parish continues to grow in its commitment to the parishioners and the wider community.  The former convent is now utilized as the home of the Tree of Life Food Pantry, and also is the location of many youth and adult formation activities.  We welcome the addition of many new immigrants to our parish family and reach out to those family members who feel estranged.  All are welcome in God's house!