Kimberley is situated at an elevation of 3,678 feet (1,121 metres) above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in British Columbia. Since Sacred Heart Parish is perched on Church Hill, our pastor, Fr. Obi, often jokes that we are the church closest to God. It's a lighthearted remark that our parish family has come to cherish.

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Kimberley, originally known as Mark Creek Crossing, traces its beginnings to 1892, when prospectors discovered the North Star and Sullivan Mines. In 1896, the community was renamed Kimberley, after the famous diamond-mining town in South Africa.

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The earliest known Catholic resident of Kimberley was Mrs. Paul Handley, who arrived in 1898.

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The first Catholic presence in Kimberley was established through the missionary work of Father Giovanni Maria Coccola, the renowned priest, missionary, and explorer. Between 1900 and 1910, he made regular visits to the growing mining community. As the town expanded, another dedicated missionary, Father Duplanil, began ministering to the faithful in 1910. He travelled from St. Eugene Mission to celebrate Mass in Joe Irwin's log cabin at 5:30 each morning, allowing the miners to attend before breakfast at 6:00 a.m. and the start of their workday at 7:00 a.m.

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On Easter Sunday, April 16, 1911, the small Catholic community celebrated its first Easter Mass when Father Beck rode on horseback from St. Eugene Mission to offer Mass in Tom Summers' store on Spokane Street.

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The spiritual needs of the growing mission continued to be served through these regular visits until 1922, when Father Bessette oversaw the construction of the first Sacred Heart Church at the corner of Wallinger and Howard Streets.

The blessing of the new church was a joyful milestone for the parish. Father Althoff, Vicar General of Nelson, presided over the ceremony, assisted by Father Bessette and Father Stephen Murphy of Cranbrook. A choir and organist travelled from Cranbrook to provide the music, while the pioneer Catholic community celebrated the realization of a dream they had long hoped to see fulfilled.

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Father Bessette faithfully served the parish until 1924, when he was succeeded by the much-loved Father Ehmann.

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The history of Sacred Heart Parish would not be complete without recognizing the remarkable spirit of cooperation among the early settlers, regardless of denomination. Before the parish had its own choir or organist, Mr. and Mrs. John Dickson generously offered their musical talents. Mr. Dickson, a devoted Presbyterian, sang Leonard's Mass in F, while Mrs. Dickson, a faithful Anglican, accompanied the liturgy on the organ. At one memorable Midnight Mass, Dick Burke held a flashlight so Mrs. Dickson could see the music as she played and sang O Holy Night. Their generosity reflected the strong sense of community that characterized Kimberley's early years.

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In 1925, the energetic Father Hartmann, O.M.I., arrived to lead the parish. Under his guidance, a new church and rectory were built on Church Hill, where Sacred Heart Parish continues to stand today. The project was completed in 1927, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the parish.