Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Rowlett
Rowlett, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Second Catholic church organized in Dallas County, Sacred Heart owes its origins to the devotion of an Irishman, Patrick McEntee (1846 - 1921), who came to Texas in 1874. Farmer and merchant, McEntee helped build the railroad in this area. Tradition holds that services were conducted at his home before this church was built. The parish's first baptism in 1898 was that of his grandchild. McEntee provided the land for Sacred Heart Church and cemetery. Built in 1899, this structure was dedicated in 1900 by Bishop E. J. Dunne. The thirteen stained glass windows were reputedly imported from Germany as memorial tributes. One near the altar was donated by Bishop Dunne. In 1922 parishioners resolved that their building should face the new Bankhead Highway. They turned it around and reset it on the original foundation. The cedars backing the church once stood in front. Ladies of the Altar Society raised the funds for substantial remodeling of the Gothic Revival style edifice in 1955-56. Population loss threatened to close the church, but the membership grew as newcomers settled in the community. Weekly mass is celebrated now for a fellowship which includes descendants of the earliest families.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Sacred Heart, the second Catholic church organized in Dallas County, grew from the devotion of Irish immigrant Patrick McEntee, who came to Texas in 1874 and helped build the local railroad. Tradition holds that services were held in his home before this Gothic Revival church was built in 1899 and dedicated the next year, its thirteen stained-glass windows reputedly imported from Germany. In 1922 parishioners turned the whole building around to face the new Bankhead Highway, resetting it on its original foundation.
Why it matters
The parish reflects how Catholic immigrant families, especially the Irish who laid the railroads, planted enduring communities of faith across rural North Texas.
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Related people
- · Patrick McEntee
- · Bishop E. J. Dunne
Themes & tags
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