Inez in Victoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

1. St. Joseph Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. A group of Polish immigrants from Upper Silesia (Prussian-occupied Poland) moved to this area in 1858, after a brief settlement in Karnes County. Here the prairies could be plowed and oaks could be felled for building shelter. They called their community (then 1.5 Mi. W) Gazeta after nearby Garcitas Creek.

Traveling priests served the religious needs of the settlers, while marriages, baptisms, and funerals were recorded at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Victoria (14.5 Mi. SW). In 1873 Frank Garvel conveyed one acre in Gazeta for a church, which was dedicated to St. Theresa.

After 1886, the area's settlement shifted to the town of Inez, established on a new railroad line. In 1889 the Catholic Church acquired three lots here for $40, and the Gazeta Church was dismantled and moved to Inez. Lumber dealer Henry C. Koontz directed the reconstruction, and Father Thomas Moczyjemba dedicated the church to St. Joseph in 1890.

The first resident pastor, Father Henry Pensick, was appointed in 1933, also serving mission churches at La Salle (10.5 Mi. SE) and Bloomington (19 Mi. SSW). In 1963 a fire destroyed the frame church building and damaged the rectory. A new brick structure was quickly erected by the congregation and dedicated in 1964. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected

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1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6565.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 28° 54.162′ N, 96° 47.404′ W. Marker is in Inez, Texas, in Victoria County. Marker is at the intersection of Church Street and Farm to Market Road 444, on the right when traveling east on Church Street. The marker is located in front of the church by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 Church Street, Inez TX 77968, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort St. Louis (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Victoria County (approx. 2.3 miles away); Site of Camp Independence (approx. 8.4 miles away); Foster Field (approx. 8.8 miles away); Foster Army Air Field (approx. 9 miles away); Foster Field Memorial (approx. 9 miles away); 201st Fighter Squadron, Mexican Expeditionary Air Force (the Aztec Eagles) (approx. 9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Inez.

The St. Joseph Catholic Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

2. The St. Joseph Catholic Church and Marker

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

3. The St. Joseph Catholic Church and Marker

The view of the St. Joseph Catholic from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

4. The view of the St. Joseph Catholic from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.