Windthorst in Archer County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Windthorst

Photographed by James Hulse, March 23, 2025

1. St. Mary's Catholic Church Windthorst Marker

Inscription. Obtaining 75,000 acres of Archer County land for a farm colony in 1891, German-American Catholics planted cross here and laid off Windthorst around a 20-acre site for church, school, and rectory. Ernest Hoff built town's first structure, a home. There on Jan. 1, 1892, father Joseph F. Reisdorf celebrated the first mass in Windthorst before 10 parishoners. The first church was dedicated in 1893, second in 1904. The present one, third for the parish, was completed in 1925. Two members of parish have become priests. St. Mary's Church continues to be the center of community life.

Erected 1974 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4465.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1892.

Location. 33° 34.529′ N, 98° 26.346′ W. Marker is in Windthorst, Texas, in Archer County. It is at the intersection of Saint Marys Street and North Church Street on Saint Marys Street. The marker is located at the front of the church at the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 St Marys St, Windthorst TX 76389, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Marine Sgt. Gary S. Johnston (a few steps from this marker); Marine Cpl. Paul J. Himmels

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(a few steps from this marker); Marine Pvt. Leo Joseph Blake (within shouting distance of this marker); J. H. Meurer Home (approx. 5.9 miles away); Indian Exodus 1859 (approx. 10.1 miles away); The Stone Houses (approx. 10.1 miles away); Archer County Jail (approx. 10.8 miles away); Camp Cureton, C.S.A. (approx. 10.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Windthorst.

St. Mary's Catholic Church Windthorst and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 23, 2025

2. St. Mary's Catholic Church Windthorst and Marker

The view of the St. Mary's Catholic Church from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 23, 2025

3. The view of the St. Mary's Catholic Church from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 1, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.