In 1908, the Catholic families in west Waterloo felt they should have a church of their own. At that time, they were worshiping at St. Mary's and St. Joseph's on the east side of town. Their petition to build Sacred Heart Church was approved in January, 1909, by the Most Reverend James J. Keane, Archbishop of Dubuque.
The property was obtained through sale of land willed by Barthoemew Kelly for a site for a west-side Catholic church. Funds were raised by subscription from forty-seven Catholic and sixty-seven non-Catholic individuals. The amount subscribed was a little over $15,000.00.
The site chosen was on the corner of West Fourth and Randolph Streets and incorporated the Pickett residence and the adjoining property.
The architecture chosen was of the Lombardic-Romanesque design, and our church was the first in this part of the country to be constructed in this style. It was also to be the largest church in the city at that time.
Fundraising, election of trustees and appointment of the building committee were all coordinated by the first Sacred Heart pastor, Reverend J. J. Hanley. He arrived in Waterloo on March 4, 1909, from St. Patrick's Church in Monti, and began holding Sunday masses in the Knights of Pythias Hall. Our first parish baptism was on March 21, 1909, and our first wedding was performed on April 14, 1909. The Sisters of Mercy arrived on August 24th of that year to begin teaching the children of the parish.
End of 1908: Meeting held to discuss forming new parish on west side of river; petition to Archbishop John J. Keane
January 1909: Request granted to form new parish