Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Del Rio, Val Verde County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Mass was celebrated in private homes and in a wooden house at this site before construction of this native Limestone church in 1891-92. Under the direction of the oblate fathers, the mission of Del Rio became Sacred Heart parish in 1895. This gothic revival structure was enlarged and remodeled in 1929. The stained glass windows installed at that time were moved to a new church building, dedicated in 1969. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1978.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Before this limestone church rose in 1891-92, Catholics in the border town of Del Rio gathered for Mass in private homes and a simple wooden building on this spot. Guided by the Oblate fathers, the mission grew into Sacred Heart parish in 1895, and the Gothic Revival structure was enlarged and remodeled in 1929. Its stained-glass windows later followed the congregation to a new church dedicated in 1969.
Why it matters
The parish traces the deep Catholic roots and community life of a Rio Grande border town in the late nineteenth century.
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Themes & tags
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