Saint Mary's Church of the Assumption
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1869, St. Mary's Church of the Assumption is the oldest Catholic parish in Waco. Led by Father Bussant, the congregation erected its first sanctuary in 1870 at the corner of 6th and Washington streets. A second structure, built in 1879 at 9th and Washington streets, was replaced in 1886. A new building was completed at this site in 1942. The church's community outreach programs have included associations with Academy Sacred Heart for girls, St. Basil's School for boys, Holy Cross Cemetery, Providence Hospital, Reicher Catholic High School, and the city library. (1990)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in 1869 under Father Bussant, St. Mary's Church of the Assumption became Waco's oldest Catholic parish, worshiping first at a small sanctuary near 6th and Washington. The congregation outgrew a succession of buildings across the late nineteenth century before completing the present structure in 1942. Over the decades the parish wove itself into the city's fabric through schools, a hospital, a cemetery, and even the public library.
Why it matters
The parish traces the growth of Catholic community life in a fast-rising Central Texas city, where immigrant faith and civic institutions grew hand in hand.
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Related people
- · Father Bussant
Themes & tags
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