HOLY ROSARY COUNCIL #13579
         Sacred Heart Parish, Muskegon Heights, was
begun in 1915 by a group of Hungarian people who recognized the need for a
Hungarian Catholic parish in their area in order to preserve ethnic rituals as
they learned the "rights and ways of their adopted country." Bishop Edward D. Kelly
purchased land in Muskegon Heights in 1916, and in 1919 assigned Father John J.
Sonefeld as founding pastor.
          Parishioners attended Mass in Schoenberg Hall, over a local meat market, until a temporary church could be set up in what is now the rectory basement. In 1924 the upper church was completed and blessed. Sacred Heart's first school was blessed by Bishop Joseph G. Pinten in september 1940. It was staffed by Grand Rapids Dominician Sisters.
          During his 28 years as pastor, from 1940 until his death on Ascension Day in 1968, Msgr. Albert A. kehren led the rapidly growing parish. Adjacent buildings were purchased to serve as a convent and additional classrooms. In 1951 Bishop Francis J. Haas broke ground for Catholic Central high school, which opened in September 1953 with 775 students.
          When a new church was dedicated by Bishop Allen J. Babcock in November 1957, the old church was remodeled as the priests' residence. In 1967 Bishop Babcock dedicated a new school building.
          In the late 1960s, under the leadership of Msgr. James L. Jendrasiak, the parish remodeled the church sanctuary in accord with renewed liturgical practices.
          In 1994 Sacred Heart Parish celebrated its 75th anniversery. As part of the celebration, a major renovation of the church began under the leadership of Father Charles Dautremont and a committee of 13 with the generosity of all the parishioners. Lay involvement on the school board and parish council, as well as in the parish remains strong and vigorous.