1919-1929

As Sacred Heart Parish continued to grow in the early 1920s, plans advanced to build a new church. From the beginning, parishioners and planners alike wanted a church of dignity, something that would complement the Capitol area in which it was to stand, and be a statement of faith and stability to the community.

Between 1922 and 1924, students going to daily Mass heard it at the Briggs Building at 220 Fayetteville Street, now the Raleigh City Museum, because that was where the altar was set up while the new church was being built. In 1924 the church - constructed of granite and graced with stained glass windows and a marble altar - was completed and the first mass was held on October 16, 1924.

There was no prom in the early days of Sacred Heart High School. Instead students attended a small dinner. The outstanding event of the school year was a Communion Breakfast each October.

In December, 1924, the Diocese of Raleigh was formed, Sacred Heart Church was chosen as the Cathedral, and the Most Reverend William J. Hafey was appointed the first Bishop of Raleigh. That same year, Sacred Heart High School was renamed The Cathedral Latin High School.