Orange in Orange County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, October 4, 2019
1. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker
The earliest recorded Catholic Mass in the area was conducted by the Rev. P. F. Parisot in 1853, five years before the city of Orange was incorporated. In 1879 the Rev. Vital Quinon (d.1894), a native of France, came to Orange at the request of the local railroad superintendent Charles A. Barton, who was concerned about the city's reputation as a rowdy and lawless industrial town. Known as the "Fighting Priest," Father Quinon provided the leadership necessary for the formation of this church. Established as St. Vital's it originally served a parish comprised primarily of German, Austrian, Irish, and Polish immigrants.
Significant growth began in 1896 when the Rev. J. M. Moran (1859-1922) of Ireland was assigned as the first resident priest of the parish. The congregational name was changed to St. Mary's in 1912 and a school and cemetery were established in the 1920s.
Prominent church leaders have included the Rev. George Berberich (d.1947) of Germany, who came here in 1929, and his brother the Rev. Msgr. Joseph Berberich (d.1980), who joined him in 1937. Through their guidance, St. Mary's Catholic Church developed as a leader in community involvement, in quality education, and in the establishment of area missions.
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11511.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 30° 5.876′ N, 93° 44.286′ W. Marker is in Orange, Texas, in Orange County. Marker is on West Cherry Street east of 9th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 912 West Cherry Street, Orange TX 77630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Christian Church of Orange (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cox House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Woman's Club of Orange (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Black Education in Orange County (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lutcher Memorial Church Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Orange Chamber of Commerce (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orange.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, October 4, 2019
2. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker
October 4, 2019
3. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2019, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 228 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2019, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 3. submitted on October 12, 2019.
