BATTLES WHARF, Ala. — A little white church stands on the edge of Mobile Bay with a bell in the yard, a cross on the roof and a spirit about it that speaks of the strength found in unity and tradition. Both Sacred Heart Church and its parishioners have weathered changing times and hurricanes for over a century.

Since its establishment in 1876, the church has served as a summertime spiritual retreat for Fairhopians, Mobilians and out-of-towners alike, said long-time parishioner Ann Torbert.

Weekend masses are brimming with families who have been attending summer services at Sacred Heart for years. Often the pews fill up and people overflow outside. The chapel seats 240 comfortably, although up to 400 people have been counted in attendance at weekend services. Parents with small children entertain them on the front porch while listening in on the mass. Torbert describes the services as casual, because the paper fans in the pew backs serve as air-conditioning, in keeping with tradition. Some attendees travel by boat, docking at the church’s pier or at Torbert’s. It is a family event and has been for generations.

The church is now under the care of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope, and it is priests from Saint Lawrence who say the mass at Sacred Heart. Judy Lankford, coordinator for children’s religious education at Saint Lawrence, referred to Sacred Heart as a “summer chapel.”

“It is not a full functioning parish, but it comes under our administration and responsibility,” she said.

Lankford explained that the Knights of Columbus from Saint Lawrence are responsible for keeping up the Sacred Heart facilities. Their duties include cutting grass, painting and any other maintenance needed. The Knights of Columbus recently restored the front porch on the chapel as well.

Although these men play a crucial role in the upkeep of the church, it was another individual Lankford referred to as the guardian angel of Sacred Heart Church. She spoke of Torbert, a member of at least 55 years according to her own estimate.

Torbert remembers attending camp at Sacred Heart Church as far back as her grammar school days, and has gone to masses at the church for many years since. As her home is a short walk from the church, she is heavily involved in all things taking place at Sacred Heart.

According to Torbert, the church is a very popular place for weddings, and not only because of the many memories made there, but also because the little church is quite picturesque. It is available for weddings from the beginning of March through the end of November.

“We call it the wedding chapel of the Gulf Coast,” she said. “I love to help with the weddings at the church. Before it had a bathroom, I would invite the brides over for tea on my front porch.”

Torbert’s ties to Sacred Heart are deep and numerous and she saw her own four daughters married in the chapel. She speaks of the importance of the church to its parishioners.

“People have a very strong affection for this church,” she said. “It brings memories of happy times and happy childhoods. Our families have been coming here for years and years and years.”

She recalls some of her own plentiful experiences at Sacred Heart telling of the days when priests and nuns could be seen water-skiing on Mobile Bay behind the church, the sisters still wearing their habits. She remembers the kindly priest who occupied the house on campus one summer and pretended to be angry when the church bell was rung.

“The children loved to test him,” she said. “Although, if they were caught, he would make them rake the front yard.”

According to Torbert, parishioners now seek to undo some of the changes that have been made to Sacred Heart over the years desiring to return it to its original state. The altar now in place is a replica of the original altar, which was removed after Vatican II.

For the most part, however, the church has changed very little since its establishment. The building was enlarged in 1916 after it was damaged by a hurricane, and two wings along with two side porches were added The building now forms the shape of a cross from an aerial view, based on classic cruciform architecture.

The church was originally constructed of all pine, including the pews. According to Father Steven Williams of Saint Lawrence, any repairs made have been using the same materials as when the church was originally built. When glass windows were replaced on the chapel, the glass was ordered from Germany to match the original windows, and the Knights of Columbus replaced the porch with the same type of pine as originally used.

“We would love to see it open all year long,” Torbert said. “That probably won’t happen. People along the bay love this church, though, and everyone feels like it’s their own.”

Masses are held at Sacred Heart Church on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8 and 10 a.m. between Memorial and Labor Day. For more information regarding Sacred Heart, or to inquire about scheduling a wedding, contact the Saint Lawrence church office at 928-5931.