For 160 years Catholics in the small town of Uxbridge northeast of Toronto could always count on Sacred Heart Parish being there for them.

It's a storied history that is still felt by current parishioners, many of whom have connections to the church through generations.

“Sacred Heart is indeed special to me and when I moved here 40 years ago, I was welcomed with open arms by the people on the church steps after our first Mass here. It became a second home to our family,” said parishioner Teri Evangelista.

“Sacred Heart celebrated with us when our youngest child was baptized, when all of our children received their first sacraments, when our eldest child was married and it was with us as we buried my husband and my mother.” 

Sacred Heart celebrated its 160th anniversary with an anniversary Mass on Feb. 9, marking the launch of year-long festivities for the parish and its dedicated small-town community.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Nguyen, with Fr. Gerard Pilon and Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann as co-celebrants. In attendance along with many long-standing parishioners included the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Honor Guard from neighbouring Port Perry.

Hosted in unison with the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Marriage Sunday, six couples celebrating milestones were presented with certificates and all married couples received a special blessing during the celebratory Mass.

While still holding its historic and traditional feel, Sacred Heart manages to stay active and vibrant in its parish life and local community through various social events and seasonal activities.

“Raising a family within the Sacred Heart community was fun, supportive and youthful. Christmas pageants, the youth choir and movie/pizza nights were always looked forward to as well as special outings that were developed with the support of choir directors and parents,” said parishioner Cathy Martin.

“Sacred Heart Parish also remains a staple in the community offering real help and support to community members. Christmas hampers, the food bank, St. Vincent de Paul, individual needs are never pushed aside and always strongly supported.” 

Don Hamilton's family has been involved in parish activities and changes since the 1950s.

“Our family grew up in Uxbridge where they raised 10 kids, most were baptized in the old church building,” he said. “My dad was very active in the church and was instrumental in establishing the school. He also helped with the design and build of the new church buildings.

"Even after Dad passed away, (my mother) made sure we attended church regularly. She was also very active with the CWL.”

Sacred Heart Parish has undergone substantial change across its 160-year history. The first Mass was held at the new church known then as The Sacred Heart of Jesus and took place on Feb. 3, 1865. The total cost for the new church and its furnishings was $2,000.

In 1883, the church’s bell, which would become a prominent symbol of the Sacred Heart, was purchased with the financial assistance of all the denominations in Uxbridge under the promise that it would ring three times a day. The task was done by the local fire hall until the bell was destroyed in a fire. The bell now resides at the parish-affiliate school, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary.

Between 1886 and 1950, 25 Roman Catholic priests served the needs of the parish and after 1950, Sacred Heart priests began their work in the church. Not long after, the parish's Catholic Women's League was established under the direction of Fr. John Karskens in 1953.

Fr. Andrew Marynen became pastor in 1959 and initiated the building of the new church, situated at 70 Toronto St. N. in Uxbridge, with the first Mass in the new building taking place on June 5, 1964. A solemn blessing from ​​Toronto Archbishop Phillip Pocock took place in July of the same year.

In 1998, priests from the Archdiocese of Toronto began their work in the parish following the departure of Sacred Heart priests.

Continued commemorations of Sacred Heart’s anniversary are planned throughout 2025 with events including hosting World Day of Prayer on March 7, a St. Joseph Catholic School Family Mass and reception in May and a Thanksgiving Mass and dinner celebrated by Cardinal Francis Leo in October.