Alexander L. Hitzelberger of Norfolk, Virginia visited relatives in Charleston and celebrated Mass in the courthouse.

Stenger settled in Charleston for a short time in 1862, but the Civil War hindered his ministry.

In 1885, Father Stenger began collecting funds for a new church and prominent Protestants also provided financial assistance.

Father Stenger died in 1900 and in April 1901 Capuchin friars began their ministry at Sacred Heart.

They constructed a new rectory the following year and made additions to the church building in the first decade of the 20th century.

The St. Cecilia's Guild started a weekly bingo to raise the money for a new Kilgen pipe organ, which cost $31,832.48.

[2] The interior of the church was extensively renovated from 1950 to 1951 and the front portion of the current rectory was completed the following year.

The parish initiated a capital fund drive called Growth In Faith Together to renovate the cathedral inside and out.

The project included air-conditioning, cleaning and repairing the stained glass windows and a Schantz 58-rank, three-manual pipe organ (opus 1765).

[5] The parish purchased the former Kanawha Valley Hospital building to construct a parking lot and in 1985, dedicated the John XXIII Pastoral Center.

New carpeting graced the sanctuary and furniture maker Edward Hillenbrand created a new Bishop's Chair, Ambo and Altar.

On November 9, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI raised Sacred Heart to the dignity of a minor basilica.

At the same time, a boarding school named St. Mary's Academy opened and operated until 1895.