Sacred Heart Catholic Church
McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Priests from La Lomita Chapel in nearby Mission ministered to Catholics at McAllen from 1908 until 1911, when a mission was begun here and a wood frame chapel was built. The congregation remained under the guidance of the Rev. J.M.F. Guenneugues, O.M.I., of Mission until 1915, when the Rev. Francis A. Dupassieux, O.M.I., came to the McAllen Chapel. By 1917 a school and rectory were added and Sacred Heart became an independent parish. Sacred Heart Parish has served as "Mother Church" to many missions in central Hidalgo County. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Catholic worship in McAllen began with priests riding over from La Lomita Chapel in Mission, until a mission and wood-frame chapel were established here in 1911. Under Oblate priests, the congregation gained a school and rectory by 1917 and became an independent parish, going on to serve as the "Mother Church" for many missions across central Hidalgo County. The site was marked during the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial.
Why it matters
The parish traces the rapid growth of Catholic community life in the Rio Grande Valley as railroads and irrigation turned the region into booming farm towns in the early 20th century.
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Related people
- · Rev. J.M.F. Guenneugues
- · Rev. Francis A. Dupassieux
Themes & tags
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