History of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church
The following is excerpted from Centennial: The story of the development of the Kingdom of God on Earch in that portion of the vineyard which for one hundred years has been the Diocese of Galveston (printed 1947).
"The Liberty Road area where the present church of Our Lady of Sorrows is situated was a part of the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe until 1936. Many Latin American families began to build their homes in that area, and it became necessary to erect a separate church.
"The first church was a wooden structure erected by Father Caldwell, O.M.I., in 1936. As the parish continued to grow, Father Santos, O.M.I., who succeeded Father Caldwell, started to build the present church which was completed in February, 1942. It is of brick and tile with a seating capacity of 300."
Growing Through Change
In a later publication by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston (printed 1970), the following was written about Our Lady of Sorrows Church:
"Following the erection of the brick edifice, the original church was used as a parish hall until the present parish hall and CCD center were built by Father B. Wagner, O.M.I., and dedicated February 17, 1963.
"In June, 1942, Father Santos was transferred to Del Rio, and the first pastor, Father J. P. Delaney, O.M.I., assumed his duties. During the years of 1942 through 1946, the debt on the church was paid, and a substantial amount was collected for the erection of a parish school which never materialized.
"In 1947, Father Delaney purchased grounds in the 7500 block of Hirsch Road (in Bonita Gardens) for the erection of another church. The following year, the Church of Our Lady of St. John was built as a chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows parish by Father John L. Busch, O.M.I.
"In 1949, the present rectory of Our Lady of Sorrows was built while Father C. Conaty, O.M.I., was serving as pastor. In the intervening years until the rectory was erected, priests who served the faithful of Our Lady of Sorrows parish lived at Our Lady of Guadalupe rectory.
"In 1969, the interior of the church was completely remodeled.
"The present pastor, Father John L. Busch, O.M.I., was appointed September 23, 1966."
The Last 50 Years
Check back soon for more historical information about our parish....
