In 1874, Father Theodore Butler purchased a home and a lot in Augusta, Georgia, for $10,000.00 to construct a building to be used as a church for the Catholic population and a school for children of all denominations. A simple Victorian structure served as a temporary facility for the church until work could begin on a larger, more significant building for the group. The first bricks were laid for Sacred Heart Church in 1897 and the church opened with the first service on December 2, 1900. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building features towering twin spires, graceful arches, fifteen distinctive styles of brickwork, ninety-four stained glass windows, a barreled vaulted ceiling, and intricately carved Italian marble altars. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, the last mass was held in Sacred Heart on July 3, 1971.

The Phillips Market Center’s multi-purpose hall, commercial kitchen with training area, executive board room, and covered patio provide the ideal venue for groups up to 200 people. Tables and chairs are provided for all events and set-up is included. The center is equipped with up-to-date technology for effective presentations, including high speed wireless internet access as well as a broad range of audiovisual equipment. The full service Chef’s Kitchen is equipped with commercial appliances for catering and serving small luncheons to large multi-course dinners. The kitchen also serves as a culinary training center for the Department of Education’s foodservice personnel in safe food handling and preparation. We offer day and evening bookings, 7 days a week, except holidays. It’s conveniently located within minutes from downtown Columbia and easily accessible from I-26 and I-77.