Sacred Heart Church began its existence in 1877 under the leadership of Fr. James Meurer, a German-speaking priest.  Benedictine priests began their tradition of service as parish pastors in 1888, three years prior to the founding of St. Bernard Abbey. 

The present stone church was dedicated in 1916; the matching stone school was built in the years following World War II.  The current rectory was constructed in 1961.

Sacred Heart Church exemplifies a German revival of the Romanesque style; among its prominent features is the stained glass windows designed in 1914 and built in Germany.  The outbreak of World War I necessitated their burial; they were dug up and shipped to Cullman after the war, and installed in 1920.  Another feature is the church pipe organ, among the largest in northern Alabama.  The organ was built in 1921, acquired by the parish in 1959 and overhauled in 1988.  Sacred Heart’s most prominent feature, the gold crosses atop its steeples, came into being as part of a major restoration project conducted on the church steeples and roof in 1999.  They are a recognizable landmark to Cullman residents and visitors.

Rev. Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., the current Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey launched the Family Life Center Program in 1991.  The Center is a beehive of constant activity and is utilized by nearly every member of the parish.

Our Pastor, Rev. Patrick Egan, O.S.B. began studying for the priesthood in 2003 after retiring as a Colonel in the United States Army.  He was ordained in June, 2008 and was assigned as Pastor in August 2009.

The German Catholic cemetery was established by Fr. Meurer shortly after his arrival to Cullman in 1877. The oldest grave is November 18, 1877, marking the burial of Anselm Fretz, Grand Dukedom of Baden. The original cemetery encompassed approximately five acres, situated between 8th and 9th Streets Southeast at 8th Avenue. Though no deed has been recorded, legend has it that Col. John Kullmann, founder of the city, appropriated this tract for the church at the edge of town in the Fromhold Addition. He also set aside the land for the City (public) Cemetery at the west end of 9th Street.

In 1998, more land was purchased for expansion of the cemetery, bringing the total to approximately ten acres. New sections are being developed and improvements are on-going. A Land Management plan has been prepared to achieve maximum utilization of the property.

In 1878, the Notre Dame Sisters of Milwaukee arrived in Cullman and opened the School for Catholics and non-Catholics.  By 1879, their enrollment was 100 students.

For twenty years Sacred Heart School was staffed by the Notre Dame Sisters.  Then, in 1898, the Benedictine Sisters began to staff the school.
The present school building was dedicated in 1950; construction began in 1948.  Presently, 174 students are enrolled in grades 3K through 6th.

In the summer of 1977, the first German Festival in the City of Cullman was born at Sacred Heart School commemorating the school’s 100th anniversary.  Two years later, the City of Cullman Oktoberfest Committee was formed.  This Oktoberfest celebration has grown and has become an annual event for the school, the parish, and the City of Cullman.