Little Church of La Villita
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1846, the Rev. J.W. De Vilbiss bought a Methodist Church site (across street) in this block. He set up a bell, to denote worship site, but did not build when lot title proved defective. In 1879, German Methodist erected this Gothic Revival Church. A workman called Olaf A Norwegian Sailor, carved pegs and hinged the lancetshaped casement windows. Episcopal diocese of West Texas bought church in 1895; City of San Antonio acquired title in 1945. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark--1962.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1846 the Rev. J.W. De Vilbiss bought a nearby lot and hung a bell to mark a Methodist worship site, but a flawed title kept him from building. German Methodists finally raised this Gothic Revival church in 1879, where a Norwegian sailor known only as "Olaf" carved the pegs and hinged its lancet windows. The Episcopal diocese bought it in 1895, and the City of San Antonio took title in 1945.
Why it matters
The Little Church of La Villita reflects the layered immigrant faith of 19th-century San Antonio, where German and Scandinavian hands built a sanctuary that outlived every congregation it served.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Briscoe Western Art Museumnearby · 210 West Market Street
- Instituto Cultural de Mexico0.2 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.3 mi away
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium0.3 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)0.3 mi away
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.3 mi away
Attractions
- La Villitanearby
- River boat boardingnearby
- Yanaguana Garden0.2 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.2 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
Food & drink
- McDonald's0.2 mi away · 101 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Chipotle0.2 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Cafe Ole0.2 mi away
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.2 mi away
- Agave Bar0.2 mi away
- Lone Star Cafe0.2 mi away
Places to stay
- Hilton Palacio del Rionearby
- The Monarch San Antonionearby
- Hotel Contessa0.1 mi away · 306 West Market Street
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.2 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.2 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Marriott Riverwalk0.2 mi away
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · Rev. J.W. De Vilbiss
Themes & tags
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