South Central Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Photographed By James Hulse, November 7, 2023
1. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Marker
Inscription.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. . In 1911, Houston's Church of the Immaculate Conception sent four Oblate priests to establish a mission church to serve the city's Spanish-speaking population. At that time, Houston's Mexican community was growing rapidly, absorbing many refugees that were fleeing the revolution of 1910. After purchasing this block, the Oblates built a wood-frame structure here and named it for Mexico's Patron Saint. The building served as both church and school, and services and classes were in Spanish. Sr. Benitia Vermeerch began a 23-year career as school principal in 1915, and later founded the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence., In 1921, when the mission was elevated to parish status one of the four founding priests, Father Esteban de Anta, a native of Spain, became the first pastor. Construction on a second church building commenced that year, and it was dedicated two years later. In 1973 the Sacred Heart Order assumed responsibility for the church, but its traditional role ministering to immigrant communities remained the same. Still a focal point for Houston's Mexican American community, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church became the home church to many Central American and Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s.
In 1911, Houston's Church of the Immaculate Conception sent four Oblate priests to establish a mission church to serve the city's Spanish-speaking population. At that time, Houston's Mexican community was growing rapidly, absorbing many refugees that were fleeing the revolution of 1910. After purchasing this block, the Oblates built a wood-frame structure here and named it for Mexico's Patron Saint. The building served as both church and school, and services and classes were in Spanish. Sr. Benitia Vermeerch began a 23-year career as school principal in 1915, and later founded the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence.
In 1921, when the mission was elevated to parish status one of the four founding priests, Father Esteban de Anta, a native of Spain, became the first pastor. Construction on a second church building commenced that year, and it was dedicated two years later. In 1973 the Sacred Heart Order assumed responsibility for the church, but its traditional role ministering to immigrant communities remained the same. Still a focal point for Houston's Mexican American community, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church became the home church to many Central American and Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s.
Erected 1991 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10749.)
Location. 29° 45.547′ N, 95° 20.713′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in South Central Houston. Marker is at the intersection of Navigation Boulevard and South Jensen Drive, on the right when traveling west on Navigation Boulevard. The marker is located at the southwest entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2405 Navigation Blvd, Houston TX 77003, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. The view of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, November 7, 2023
3. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.