Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Conewago


The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also known as Conewago Chapel, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus located in Conewago Township, Pennsylvania. The church is under the circumscription of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg.

Description

The Basilica was built between 1785 and 1787, and is constructed of brownstone with three-foot-thick walls. It measures stories high, three bays wide and five bays deep. It features a Federal style entrance with a semi-circular arched doorway and an 80-foot-high spire, added in 1873. Attached to the chapel is a three-story rectory, also built in 1787. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church constructed of stone in the United States. Prince Gallitzin spent the first five years of his priesthood at Conewago Chapel from 1795 to 1799.
It was decreed a minor basilica on June 30, 1962. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Pastors

The following priests have served as pastor of the church: