Christ The King Catholic Church_Sands Art Center
Monahans, Ward County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Area Catholics held religious services in their homes beginning in the mid-1920s until a donation of money and two lots here in 1938 enabled the congregation to construct this modestly detailed structure known as Christ the King Catholic Church. Although the building was expanded in 1954 the congregation relocated in 1961. In 1965 the building became the Sands Art Center for art workshops, exhibits, craft shows, and occasional community theatre. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1992
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Ward County Catholics worshiped in one another's homes through the 1920s and 30s until a gift of money and two lots in 1938 let them build this modest church, Christ the King. The congregation expanded the building in 1954 but relocated in 1961, and by 1965 the structure had gained a second life as the Sands Art Center for workshops, exhibits, and community theater. One building thus served two very different kinds of community gathering.
Why it matters
The church-turned-art-center shows how small-town congregations and cultural life adapt and repurpose their landmarks as communities change.
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Themes & tags
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