Downtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Old St. Mary's
In 1852 land at this site was purchased from the heirs of Ambrocio Rodriguez, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto. In 1855 Bishop Odin authorized a building project, undertaken by the Rev. J.M. DuBuis, who became first pastor of St. Mary's Parish and later second Bishop of Galveston. A stately Gothic church building was constructed and opened for worship in mid-1857, serving both English and German-speaking congregations. (In 1869 St. Joseph's Church assumed the ministry for the German Catholics.) On July 1, 1884, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate accepted responsibility for St. Mary's, with the Rev. Richard J. Maloney as first oblate pastor.
The old church building was also the site of a seminary, an early free parochial school, the publication of a major Catholic newspaper, and the founding of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
In 1921 flood irreparably damaged the church building. This Neo-Romanesque structure was dedicated in 1924.
Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3818.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 29° 25.541′ N, 98° 29.475′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of North St. Mary's Street and College Street, on the left when traveling south on North St. Mary's Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 North St Mary's Street, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saint Mary's Church (a few steps from this marker); Twohig House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old St. Mary's College (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gen. Robert E. Lee (about 300 feet away); St. Mary's Institute (about 300 feet away); The Hertzberg Clock (about 300 feet away); Welcome to Historic Houston Street (about 300 feet away); Majestic Theatre (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on December 2, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 3. submitted on December 31, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.