Saspamco in Wilson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
Most of Saspamco’s early population was derived from Mexican immigrant laborers employed by the San Antonio Sewer Pipe Works Company. The laborers of the sewer pipe factory and other local residents wanted a place of worship. The land for a church was donated by Lorenzo and Victoria Gonzales, and in 1923, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Catholic Church was erected by the local laborers using sand and gravel from the Gonzales sand pit and water from their well.
The first mass, officiated by the Bishop Arthur Drossaerts, was celebrated on November 13, 1924. In 1955, the ladies of the community formed the altar society of OLPH Catholic Church. As the backbone of the church, the society sponsored annual fundraising dinners and festivals. Proceeds were always designated for the upkeep of the church and religious education programs. The annual festivals were an opportunity for the predominantly Hispanic community to gather in fellowship. The church conducted baptisms, first communions, weddings, funerals, confirmations, Virgen de Guadalupe celebrations, Christmas pageants and the Passion of Christ productions.
In 1969, Father Pedro Parra led the remodel of the church and a new church hall. The hall was used for religious education classes and parish council meetings. Since its creation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church has continued to contribute to the ethical and religious formation of the Hispanic population in the area.
Erected 2015 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18188.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Hispanic Americans • Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is November 13, 1924.
Location. 29° 13.933′ N, 98° 17.705′ W. Marker is in Saspamco, Texas, in Wilson County. Marker is on County Road 151 west of County Road 128 when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 169 County Rd 151, Floresville TX 78114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mackey Brick and Tile Manufacturing Company (approx. 3.2 miles away); Flores Rancho (approx. 5.3 miles away); Kicaster Community (approx. 7.6 miles away); Cover Cemetery (approx. 8 miles away); Casa Blanca (approx. 8.3 miles away); Garza-Valadez Cemetery (approx. 9.6 miles away); Near Site of Lodi Ferry (approx. 9.7 miles away); de la Zerda Cemetery (approx. 9.7 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.