Sacred Heart Cultural Center
A heartening and very spectacular example of a cherished piece of architectural heritage, down on its luck, given a new lease on life. Consecrated in 1901, the redbrick, twin-spired Romanesque Catholic church summed up the highest skills of European artists. Jewel-like tones of German stained-glass windows play against the creamy white Italian marble columns, stations of the cross and the ornate high altar. In the early 1970s, with much of its congregation now in the suburbs, Sacred Heart's doors were closed and the church deconsecrated and left to the mercy of the elements and vandals.

The church would probably have kept a date with the wrecking ball if an "angel" in the form of an affluent and civic-minded corporate executive hadn't come to the rescue. Following an extensive renovation, Sacred Heart Cultural Center is now the scene of banquets, wedding receptions, fashion shows, chamber concerts and numerous other functions. A gift shop on the lower floor sells works by local artists and authors. You may take a self-guided tour of the sanctuary Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; donations are accepted. Guided tours are by appointment.

Provided by: Best Read Guide