St. Augustine Parochial School
Laredo, Webb County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The arrival of the railroad in Laredo in 1881, along with the influx of exiles into the city after the Mexican Revolution, contributed to an increase in the city's population and the need for another Catholic school. In 1922, the Oblate fathers were placed in charge of the parish of San Agustín and began plans for a parochial co-educational school. Under the leadership of the Rev. Jesús Prieto, who arrived as parish priest at San Agustín in 1925, funds were raised and property obtained to make the school a reality. San Antonio architect Luis Fuessel designed this school building, incorporating elements of the Gothic Revival style in its pointed arch windows. Despite severe flooding in the spring of 1927, local contractors Mc. W. Ryan and his apprentice, Alfonso Leyendecker, completed the second floor of the building in time for school to open on Sept. 12, 1927. Sister Philomena Hayes served as first principal of St. Augustine School. She and the other sisters of the Order of Divine Providence resided on the third floor of this building until 1948, when that floor was converted for classrooms and a new library. Over the years, the sisters and lay teachers educated students from both Laredo and Nuevo Laredo and produced outstanding graduates. In the 1976-77 school year, St. Augustine School relocated to the former campus of Ursuline Academy. The original 1927 school building remains in use as meeting and religious education space for San Agustín parish. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2000
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The railroad's 1881 arrival and the influx of exiles fleeing the Mexican Revolution swelled Laredo and strained its Catholic schools. In 1922 the Oblate fathers of San Agustín parish planned a new co-educational school, and under Rev. Jesús Prieto they raised funds and land to build it. Designed with Gothic Revival touches and finished despite severe 1927 flooding, the school opened that September under principal Sister Philomena Hayes, educating students from both Laredo and Nuevo Laredo for half a century.
Why it matters
The school reflects how railroads and revolution-era migration reshaped a border community, and how the Catholic Church met the educational needs of that growing binational population.
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Related people
- · Rev. Jesús Prieto
- · Sister Philomena Hayes
- · Luis Fuessel
Related events
- · Mexican Revolution
Themes & tags
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