Polish immigrants in New Britain first formed a congregation in 1894 as a mission of St. Stanislaus parish in Meriden. The new parish in New Britain was established the following year. Originally named St. Casimir the King, its name was changed in 1896 to the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish. The first church was built on Orange Street in 1896. The current church, at 158 Broad Street, was designed by architect George P. B. Alderman of Holyoke. It was built in 1903-1904.
Sacred Heart Church, New Britain (1904)
This church is part of my American and Polish story. My great grandparents came to New Britain from Poland in the early 1900’s and this was their church. My grandfather was an altar boy here. My grandparents were married in this church and last week we had my grandfather’s funeral services here. It is a truly beautiful church – the stained glass and icons are gorgeous. It can take your breath away. This church gives me a sense of who I am and where I came from. Knowing that five generations of my family has worshiped here is the best part.