San Juan in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Photographed By James Hulse, April 22, 2023
1. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Marker
Inscription.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. . In 1925, Reverend Alphonso Jalbert, OMI, built a chapel for the Hispanic community of San Juan. The first pastor Father Jose Azpiazu installed a statue of the Virgin de San Juan de los Tagos in 1948, and the mission was designated a parish in 1949. A new church was built in 1954. During the next ten years facilities for pilgrims were added. In 1970, a tragic plane crash and fire destroyed the church/shrine but the statue and bell tower survived. In 1972, the shrine was separated from the parish. The Shrine/Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle was dedicated in 1980 and became the new home of the statue. In 1975, a new St. John the Baptist Parish Church was built beside the bell tower.
In 1925, Reverend Alphonso Jalbert, OMI, built a chapel for the Hispanic community of San Juan. The first pastor Father Jose Azpiazu installed a statue of the Virgin de San Juan de los Tagos in 1948, and the mission was designated a parish in 1949. A new church was built in 1954. During the next ten years facilities for pilgrims were added. In 1970, a tragic plane crash and fire destroyed the church/shrine but the statue and bell tower survived. In 1972, the shrine was separated from the parish. The Shrine/Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle was dedicated in 1980 and became the new home of the statue. In 1975, a new St. John the Baptist Parish Church was built beside the bell tower.
Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17171.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 26° 11.685′ N, 98° 9.406′ W. Marker is in San Juan, Texas, in Hidalgo County. Marker is at the intersection of West 1st Street and North Lincoln Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West 1st Street. The marker is located on the front of the church by the entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 216 West 1st Street, San Juan TX 78589, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Tower and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
