St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church
Megargel, Archer County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1909, a group of Czech immigrants began to meet in parishioners’ homes around Megargel to celebrate Holy Mass with Father Philibert Haase. The Czech community built the present house of worship in 1916. On May 1, 1917, the church was dedicated to the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1936, Knights of Columbus built a parish hall that served as a rectory, classrooms and celebration area. Through mission work at home and abroad, and community events such as the Annual Feast Day (august 15), St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church has made an impact on Megargel and beyond with its service and community involvement. (2017)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1909 a group of Czech immigrants around Megargel began gathering in one another's homes to celebrate Mass with Father Philibert Haase. They built the present church in 1916 and dedicated it to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917, and in 1936 the Knights of Columbus added a parish hall that doubled as rectory and classrooms. Through its Annual Feast Day and mission work, the parish became a center of the area's Czech Catholic community.
Why it matters
St. Mary of the Assumption marks how Central European immigrants carried their faith and traditions onto the North Texas plains, building enduring ethnic and religious community.
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Related people
- · Father Philibert Haase
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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