Lay Organizations

Sacred Heart Church, formerly a recreational center for servicemen during World War I known as a “K of C hut,” built by the Knights of Columbus, circa 1930s

This hut was originally located at the Charleston Navy Shipyard in North Charleston. In 1920, it was relocated to the corner of King and Huger Streets in Charleston to serve as the Sacred Heart Church. The building was destroyed by a tornado in 1938.

As one of four bishops appointed to the administrative committee of the National Catholic War Council, Bishop Russell encouraged the growth of Catholic lay organizations in the diocese. Organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women’s Patriotic  League, Navy Yard Choir, and the Charleston chapter of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) all expanded during Russell’s leadership to support the war effort during World  War I.