Nacogoches
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Monday, November 29, 2021
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Haden Edwards and his Family
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| Haden Edwards (circa 1820). Image available on the Internet and included in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107. |
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Saint Mary's Catholic Student Center at SFA
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| Photo by: CJ McLaughlin |
St. Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry
The history of St. Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry goesback to 1959. In the 50+ years of the ministry, known in the past as The Newman Club, Christ the Teacher, The Catholic Student Center, and St. Mary's Chapel, the ministry has existed to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, form life-long disciples and build up the Kingdom of God. Thanks to Fr. Ron Groschen, a number of students at the time, and alumni from the earlier days of the ministry, we have a detailed accounting of the history of the ministry up through 1991. Much has happened in the last 20+ years as well
Thank you to Fr. Ron and all those who helped compile this historical document.
1959: St. Mary’s Catholic Campus Ministry was originally established as a Newman Center by the Diocese of Galveston/Houston.
1960s: A burned house on East College St was purchased, remodeled, and served as the Newman center.
1970s: The Diocese of Beaumont provided funds to construct a new multi-purpose building that served as both a chapel and student center.
Mid- 70s: The multi-purpose building was remodeled into a fully functioning chapel and named Christ the Teacher Catholic Chapel.
Mid- 70s (cont.): The building which served as the Newman center was also remodeled and a large gathering space, known as the Bishop Ganter Hall, was also added.
1986: The jurisdictional control on the facility was transferred to the newly formed Diocese of Tyler.
Late-1980s: The name was officially changed to St. Mary’s Catholic Chapel and the Catholic Student Center.
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| St. Mary's 2021 Photo by CJ McLaughlin |
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| Stained Glass window of Pieta Photo 2021 by: CJ McLaughlin |
Dec. 2004: Some renovations were done on St. Mary’s Chapel. The project was made possible by a grant from John G and Marie S. Kennedy Memorial Foundations and gifts of individuals.
The future is bright and exciting for St. Mary’s Catholic Campus Ministry. We hope that the students, faculty, staff and our friends will continue to worship here for many more years to come.
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| Photo by: CJ McLaughlin |
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| Photo by: CJ McLaughlin |
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| Photo by: CJ McLaughlin |
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
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| Photo by: CJ McLaughlin |
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
2508 Appleby Sand RoadNacogdoches, TX 75965 Phone: 936-564-7807
Mass Times
Saturday: 11:30 AM Church - Latin 5:00 PM Church - English
Sunday: 9:30 AM - English 12:30 PM - Spanish
Monday: 12:10 PM Church - EnglishTuesday: 12:10 PM Church - EnglishWednesday: 5:30 PM Church - EnglishThursday: 7:00 AM Church - English 7:00 PM Church - SpanishFriday: 7:00 AM Church - English1st Friday: 7:00 PM Bilingual
Parish HistoryIt was on July 9, 1716, that Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus, established the Mission Nuestra de Guadalupe de Nacogdoches, (Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission of Nacogdoches). The Mission, which was one of six missions established in East Texas by the Franciscans, was selected by Father Margil, President of the Zacatecan Missions, as his headquarters. The Mission was founded on the west side of North Street, near the present day Muller Street intersection, overlooking Banita Creek. This mission was never permanently abandoned until it was replaced in 1802 by a Catholic Church, which stood on the Little Plaza at the present intersection of North and Main Streets.
At the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, with the crumbling ruins of the Mission Guadalupe, under the guidance of Father Jose Maria de Jesus Degadillo, the erection of the first parochial church building in East Texas took place on Church Plaza in 1802, directly in front of the present court house.This building served as a place of worship, until the collapse of the Fredonia Rebellion in 1827. At this time it was seized and used as barrack for the Twelfth Permanent Battalion, then stationed in Nacogdoches for the purpose of guarding the frontier against encroachments from the United States.Constraints, on those permitted to serve as minister, imposed by the political situation in Mexico, left most in Texas without the Sacraments. In 1830 Rev. Fr. Diaz de Leon was assigned to the entire state. Rev. Fr. Diaz, known as the "the last Franciscan in Texas, will long be remembered for the letter which he wrote at the home of P. Borden on November 4, 1834, and which states"...it seems to me to be the last day of my life..." It was, sadly he was murdered while returning to Nacogdoches.
Jurisdiction of the Catholic in the Republic of Texas had reverted to the Holy See and on April 12, 1840, Rev. John Timon, received appointment as the Prefect Apostolic of Texas. He named Right Reverend John M. Odin, DD, as Vicar General for the Republic of Texas.In 1840, Right Reverend John M. Odin, DD, appointed a committee with the duty of erecting a place of worship to replace the old church building.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Nacogdoches, Texas built in 1910 on the corner of South Pecan and Hospital st. ...photo in 1933
Texas was elevated in the ecclesiastical structure to a Diocese on May 4, 1847, when Pope Pius II erected the Diocese of Galveston (present day Houston-Galveston).By 1847, Reverend A. Chanrion had raised sufficient funds to begin the erection of the new church building. In the fall of 1847, on North Pecan Street, by the Right Reverend Odin. This wooden structure stood for ninety years.
Jenkins Garrett Texas Postcard Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Nacogdoches, Texas, postcard. (n.d). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/10000466
Father Francis P. Crane MS, built a new Parish Church at the corner of North Street and Mimms Avenue in April 1936, made possible through a gift for the structure and the furnishings by Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Phelan. The new church building was built on property donated by Mrs. C.C. Rhein. Mrs Rhein also donated her home& which was used as a rectory for the priests, and a brick duplex which was used for a convent for the dominican Nuns.
On April 26, 1937, carpenters began to move the Old Sacred Heart to Fern Lake, 10 miles down the Old Lufkin Road from Nacogdoches, for the construction of Saint Ann's Chapel. Saint Ann's was consecrated on July 26, 1937 (the Feast day of St. Ann) by the Most Reverend Christopher E. Byrne. The church building was moved to Center, Texas in 1951, where it served as a chapel until 1983 when it was converted into a parish hall. In 2001 Sacred Heart in Nacogdoches through the hard work of the parish staff and Very Reverend Monsignor James E. Young, VF was able to obtain the Old Church of the Sacred Heart for a continuation in the Building's History in our parish. Plans are currently underway to restore this gem in the crown to our most high Lord for the edification of all the faithful.On September 29, 1966, The Diocese of Galveston-Houston was divided to for the new Diocese of Beaumont. Sacred Heart in Nacogdoches and her mission Churches fell under the new Beaumont Diocese's jurisdiction where it remained for 22 more years.
In 1987 the Holy See announced that East Texas was to become part of another Diocese. The Diocese of Tyler made up of 4 other Diocese and once again the Mother Church of Sacred Heart and her missions would be moved in the jurisdiction of another Diocese. On February 24, 1987, the Most Reverend Charles E. Herzig, DD (+), was appointed Bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Tyler.The current Sacred Heart Church is on property purchased and approved while still in the Diocese of Beaumont. Under the leadership of Very Reverend Monsignor James E. Young, VF, the dream of a new parish church building became reality. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on March 17, 1991 (the feast of St. Patrick) by the Most Reverend Charles E. Herzig, DD (+), and the dedication Mass was held June 26, 1992 (the feast of the Sacred Heart), by the Most Reverend Edmond Carmondy, DD, for the present Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
FR. George Elliott current Pastor 2021
Fr. George Elliott is a priest of the Diocese of Tyler. He grew up across the country, but calls Paris, TX his home-town (lived there for 8 years). He was ordained in 2015, and in that first year of priesthood completed a degree in Patristic Theology. Before being assigned to St. Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry at SFA, he was the Parochial Vicar and Administrator of St. Michael's in Mt. Pleasant, TX. He is also the director of Catholic CAST Media and Catholic Bytes.
Priest at Diocese of Tyler
Studies Theology at Pontificia Università Lateranense
Studied Patristics at Patristic Institute Augustinianum
Studied Philosophy at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Paris High School
From Paris, Texas
Photo by CJ McLaughlin
Photo by CJ McLaughlin
Sacraments:- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Communion
- Confirmation
- Holy Orders
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
Festivals:
Mass Times
Saturday: 11:30 AM Church - Latin
5:00 PM Church - English
Sunday: 9:30 AM - English
12:30 PM - Spanish
Monday: 12:10 PM Church - English
Tuesday: 12:10 PM Church - English
Wednesday: 5:30 PM Church - English
Thursday: 7:00 AM Church - English
7:00 PM Church - Spanish
Friday: 7:00 AM Church - English
1st Friday: 7:00 PM Bilingual
Parish History
It was on July 9, 1716, that Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus, established the Mission Nuestra de Guadalupe de Nacogdoches, (Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission of Nacogdoches). The Mission, which was one of six missions established in East Texas by the Franciscans, was selected by Father Margil, President of the Zacatecan Missions, as his headquarters. The Mission was founded on the west side of North Street, near the present day Muller Street intersection, overlooking Banita Creek. This mission was never permanently abandoned until it was replaced in 1802 by a Catholic Church, which stood on the Little Plaza at the present intersection of North and Main Streets.
At the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, with the crumbling ruins of the Mission Guadalupe, under the guidance of Father Jose Maria de Jesus Degadillo, the erection of the first parochial church building in East Texas took place on Church Plaza in 1802, directly in front of the present court house.
This building served as a place of worship, until the collapse of the Fredonia Rebellion in 1827. At this time it was seized and used as barrack for the Twelfth Permanent Battalion, then stationed in Nacogdoches for the purpose of guarding the frontier against encroachments from the United States.
Constraints, on those permitted to serve as minister, imposed by the political situation in Mexico, left most in Texas without the Sacraments. In 1830 Rev. Fr. Diaz de Leon was assigned to the entire state. Rev. Fr. Diaz, known as the "the last Franciscan in Texas, will long be remembered for the letter which he wrote at the home of P. Borden on November 4, 1834, and which states"...it seems to me to be the last day of my life..." It was, sadly he was murdered while returning to Nacogdoches.
Jurisdiction of the Catholic in the Republic of Texas had reverted to the Holy See and on April 12, 1840, Rev. John Timon, received appointment as the Prefect Apostolic of Texas. He named Right Reverend John M. Odin, DD, as Vicar General for the Republic of Texas.
In 1840, Right Reverend John M. Odin, DD, appointed a committee with the duty of erecting a place of worship to replace the old church building.
 |
| Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Nacogdoches, Texas built in 1910 on the corner of South Pecan and Hospital st. ...photo in 1933 |
Texas was elevated in the ecclesiastical structure to a Diocese on May 4, 1847, when Pope Pius II erected the Diocese of Galveston (present day Houston-Galveston).
By 1847, Reverend A. Chanrion had raised sufficient funds to begin the erection of the new church building. In the fall of 1847, on North Pecan Street, by the Right Reverend Odin. This wooden structure stood for ninety years.
 |
| Jenkins Garrett Texas Postcard Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Nacogdoches, Texas, postcard. (n.d). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/10000466 |
Father Francis P. Crane MS, built a new Parish Church at the corner of North Street and Mimms Avenue in April 1936, made possible through a gift for the structure and the furnishings by Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Phelan. The new church building was built on property donated by Mrs. C.C. Rhein. Mrs Rhein also donated her home& which was used as a rectory for the priests, and a brick duplex which was used for a convent for the dominican Nuns.
On April 26, 1937, carpenters began to move the Old Sacred Heart to Fern Lake, 10 miles down the Old Lufkin Road from Nacogdoches, for the construction of Saint Ann's Chapel. Saint Ann's was consecrated on July 26, 1937 (the Feast day of St. Ann) by the Most Reverend Christopher E. Byrne. The church building was moved to Center, Texas in 1951, where it served as a chapel until 1983 when it was converted into a parish hall. In 2001 Sacred Heart in Nacogdoches through the hard work of the parish staff and Very Reverend Monsignor James E. Young, VF was able to obtain the Old Church of the Sacred Heart for a continuation in the Building's History in our parish. Plans are currently underway to restore this gem in the crown to our most high Lord for the edification of all the faithful.
On September 29, 1966, The Diocese of Galveston-Houston was divided to for the new Diocese of Beaumont. Sacred Heart in Nacogdoches and her mission Churches fell under the new Beaumont Diocese's jurisdiction where it remained for 22 more years.
In 1987 the Holy See announced that East Texas was to become part of another Diocese. The Diocese of Tyler made up of 4 other Diocese and once again the Mother Church of Sacred Heart and her missions would be moved in the jurisdiction of another Diocese. On February 24, 1987, the Most Reverend Charles E. Herzig, DD (+), was appointed Bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Tyler.
The current Sacred Heart Church is on property purchased and approved while still in the Diocese of Beaumont. Under the leadership of Very Reverend Monsignor James E. Young, VF, the dream of a new parish church building became reality. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on March 17, 1991 (the feast of St. Patrick) by the Most Reverend Charles E. Herzig, DD (+), and the dedication Mass was held June 26, 1992 (the feast of the Sacred Heart), by the Most Reverend Edmond Carmondy, DD, for the present Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
 |
| FR. George Elliott current Pastor 2021 |
Fr. George Elliott is a priest of the Diocese of Tyler. He grew up across the country, but calls Paris, TX his home-town (lived there for 8 years). He was ordained in 2015, and in that first year of priesthood completed a degree in Patristic Theology. Before being assigned to St. Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry at SFA, he was the Parochial Vicar and Administrator of St. Michael's in Mt. Pleasant, TX. He is also the director of Catholic CAST Media and Catholic Bytes.
Priest at Diocese of Tyler
Studies Theology at Pontificia Università Lateranense
Studied Patristics at Patristic Institute Augustinianum
Studied Philosophy at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Paris High School
From Paris, Texas
 |
| Photo by CJ McLaughlin |
 |
| Photo by CJ McLaughlin |
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Communion
- Confirmation
- Holy Orders
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
Festivals:
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Community is a diverse community of believers striving to bring people to God and God to people. We want to invite all people to our community. One of the ways we do so is through events like our Annual Multicultural Festival. For over 30 years this festival has brought together the Hispanic, Filipino, Indian, Texan and many other cultures to enjoy this two day festival for the whole family. Other Festivals we have are the Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Hubert's, and the feast of the Sacred Heart.
The Parade of Nations (The writer of this blog was honored to help organize the Parade of Nations for several years.) 
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| Msgr. James E. Young (The creator of the Multi-Cultural Festival) |
General Rusk to escort expedition to El Paso
CLIPPED FROM
Weekly National Intelligencer
Washington, District of Columbia
06 Aug 1853, Sat • Page 5
Crops in Nacogdoches doing well in 1852
CLIPPED FROM
The Charleston Daily Courier
Charleston, South Carolina
15 Jul 1852, Thu • Page 2
At last we find out about this poor girl murdered on the way into church in 1850
Weekly Commercial
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
Friday, January 3, 1851
The University of Nacogdoches advertising for teachers.
The Washington Union
WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Tuesday, April 8, 1851
Announcement of the establishment of The University of Nacogdoches
The Washington Union (Washington D.C.) Thu, 10 Apr 1851
Another article about the man that shot the girl going into church in Nacogdoches
Richmond Enquirer (Richmond VA) 27, Dec, 1850
Now we need to uncover this story...
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