Hallettsville in Lavaca County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Photographed By James Hulse, February 8, 2021
1. Sacred Heart Catholic Church Marker
This congregation was founded as a mission of St. Mary's Catholic Church (about four miles west of Hallettsville). The Rev. John Anthony Forest served the new congregation, as well as other missions in Lavaca County. Early worship services were held in the homes of members, most of whom had recently immigrated to Texas from Europe.
Land for a church building was donated by Collatinus and Mary Jane Hallet Ballard in 1869. Construction began in 1873 and was supervised by Father Forest. After the building was completed in 1882, Sacred Heart became a full-time parish. Father Forest served as pastor until 1895, when he left to become bishop of the Diocese of San Antonio.
Sacred Heart Academy, located on the grounds of the church, was established by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in 1882. The parish continued to operate the school after the nuns relocated to San Antonio in 1926.
An important part of Hallettsville history since its founding, Sacred Heart Catholic Church continues to serve the community and counts among its members many descendants of early German and Czech immigrants.
Erected 1990 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4430.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion
this page online
Location. 29° 26.569′ N, 96° 56.452′ W. Marker is in Hallettsville, Texas, in Lavaca County. Marker is at the intersection of South Texana street and East Fifth Street, on the left when traveling south on South Texana street. The marker is located at the entrance to the Sacred Heart Catholic School near the flagpole. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 313 South Texana Street, Hallettsville TX 77964, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hallettsville (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of the Alma Male and Female Institute (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Church of Hallettsville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hallettsville Memorial Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lavaca County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); First National Bank of Hallettsville (approx. 0.2 miles away); 50th Anniversary of Battle of Galveston (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Hallettsville (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hallettsville.
Photographed By James Hulse, February 8, 2021
2. Sacred Heart Catholic School and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, February 8, 2021
3. The view of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Marker from the road
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
