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Basilica Restoration Nears Completion Thanks to Community Camaraderie
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrating the completion of ‘For Such a Time as This,’ the first comprehensive restoration and redecoration project in the parish’s 147-year history. This massive achievement is happening thanks to the efforts of the Basilica’s clergy, staff, and parishioners, as well as your generous support.
Father John T. Howren, V.F. became rector and pastor of the Basilica in the summer of 2020. Arriving during the pandemic lockdown gave Father Howren time to really get to know the historic building. Founded in 1880, it is the second-oldest Catholic parish in Atlanta. The building was completed in 1898, and it became the first basilica in both the archdiocese and the state in 2010.
When Father Howren arrived, repairs to the exterior spires were underway with plans to repaint the interior. He noted, however, the need for important updates first.
“I like to say, when I got here, I was greeted by the church mice because everything was still rather shut down. Having had some time to spend with the building during Covid, I could see that there were a lot of issues with a very old electrical system, and I thought, before we paint, let’s consider what we need to do for the system and lighting in this over 100-year-old building.”
– Reverend John T. Howren, V.F., Rector and Pastor of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Cathy Ehrler and Don Thurman have been parishioners at the Basilica since 1988. Like many in the parish, they too saw the need for updates and have been enthusiastically involved in the restoration.
“I think the last time that the church had even been painted was 1990. The only lighting in the church basically was the lanterns, which had been added in the 1930s and still had rod-and-tube wiring, plus a few accent lights.”
– Don Thurman, parishioner and volunteer
With the help and guidance of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and Catholic Construction Services, Father Howren and the parish’s Legacy Team worked with experts on church restorations. Guided by old photographs and newspaper articles chronicling the church’s architectural history, plans were made to modernize the lighting, audio, and energy systems, while honoring the Basilica’s original Romanesque style.
Initially, the parish planned for the project to be completed in four phases; however, thanks to the generosity and excitement of parishioners and donors throughout the archdiocese, ‘For Such a Time as This’ will be finished in only two phases.
One incredibly kind parishioner has provided a matching grant amount of $500,000. Another compassionate donor has sponsored the completion of the Marist Chapel, where parishioner Cathy Ehrler’s original portraits of Saint Peter Chanel and Saint Teresa of Calcutta will be on display. These are only two examples of the community’s abundant generosity.
“I’m an artist, and Father asked if I would do portraits for the chapel, so I was able to paint Mother Teresa and Saint Peter Chanel. I was fortunate enough to see [Mother Teresa] when she visited back in 1995, and it was a very meaningful project for me.”
– Cathy Ehrler, parishioner and volunteer
Located in downtown Atlanta’s hotel district, the parish welcomes visitors from all over the world. Many young adults have also become regular attendees, from students at Georgia State University and Georgia Tech, to young professionals and families living nearby.
On Sunday, November 16th, 2025, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer will celebrate a Mass for the Dedication of the New Altar. It will be a time of joyous celebration for both the parish community and the Catholic community at large.
“It really is a source of, I think, healthy pride for Catholics that, in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, there is a basilica here within our local church. And it’s something that we invite everybody to rejoice in, to visit, to feel a part of, and to help us maintain.”
-Reverend John T. Howren, V.F.
Learn more about ‘For Such a Time as This,’ here.
Help restore the Basilica’s past and ensure its future by giving here.
