Our History

Unique among the Catholic communities in Fremont, Sacred Heart Catholic Church is the youngest and the only Catholic Church on the East side of the city.

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In June 1956, Bishop Rehring appointed Fr. Leo A. Lehmkuhl to Fremont St. Joseph Parish as an assistant pastor with the duty of starting a new parish on the east side of Fremont. The new parish was officially established on September 8, 1956. Its area included the east side of Fremont to the borders of St. Mary, Clyde, and St. Mary, Tiffin. At the time the parish was formed, 2,200 persons were listed as members.

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At first, Sunday Mass was celebrated in the Fremont National Guard Armory on the East Side of State Street, Fremont. On August 12, 1958, a new church and school building was solemnly blessed by Bishop Rehring. Sacred Heart School opened on September 5, 1958, with an enrollment of 360 students in eight classrooms. Due to the large enrollment, eight additional classrooms were constructed the following year. The Sisters of Notre Dame were among the faculty of Sacred Heart School from its beginning until 2002.

 

During the first 12 years of the parish, Fr. Lehmukuhl served as "Father Sacred Heart," encouraging its growth by building church, school, convent, and rectory. He implemented the vision of Vatican Council II, celebrating the first liturgy with the priest facing the people and inviting the laity into active ministry.