Sacred Heart Church

The "Sacred Heart" Church was dedicated on September 14th, 1881 and was completed in 1882.

The oldest parish church in Clare, the beautiful Sacred Heart Church of Saulnierville was begun in May of 1879. All of the wood needed for the construction was donated and local carpenters and tradesmen quickly set to work. The woodwork was done by hand and each parishioner gave 25 days to the construction throughout each year. Messire Gay led the speedy construction and the first mass was celebrated in the fall of that same year. The "Sacred Heart" Church was dedicated on September 14th, 1881 and was completed in 1882. After the selling of the family pews, the church was entirely paid.

Every church needs a bell and this temple was no exception. Messire Gay ordered the construction of the bell and four or five village women paid to have it made. Though these ladies were from that point on known as the "godmothers of the bell", everyone had a hand in this project. The parishioners pooled together their silver dollars in order to have them melted and incorporated into the bell. The chime was blessed in 1882 and still rings out clear and pure on Sunday mornings through Saulnierville as the village gathers to worship.

Sacred Heart Church is somewhat difficult to miss as it sits atop a hill and its steeple can be seen from both ends of the village. The soft yellow of the outside ushers you into a breathtaking, vibrant church accented with deep red carpets, tall pillars, and a beautiful altar glowing with gold and light. On the walls are hung art pieces depicting the Stations of the Cross as stained glass windows fill the room with rainbows of tinted sunlight.

This magnificent 120 year-old wooden church is not to be missed. Visitors to the church are always welcome and a guide is present during the summer months to answer any questions you may have about the church and the area.Admission:

Free, Donations accepted