Near Mingus in Erath County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

St. Barbara's Catholic Church

Photographed By Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

1. St. Barbara's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. Most of Thurber’s immigrant population, representing eighteen nationalities, were Catholic. Missionary priests ministered to the town until 1892, then the coal company erected a Catholic church at the bottom of Graveyard Hill. Originally named St. Thuribus, it was renamed St. Barbara’s to honor the patroness saint of miners. A church school, Hunter Academy, operated from 1894 to 1923. The church building was moved two miles north to Mingus when Thurber was dismantled in the 1930s, and was returned to Thurber in 1993 by Thurber preservationists.

Erected 1995 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4438.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 32° 30.268′ N, 98° 24.959′ W. Marker is near Mingus, Texas, in Erath County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of State Highway 108 and County Road 107, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mingus TX 76463, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New York Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Thurber's First Coal Mine (about 400 feet away); Site of Thurber Brick Plant (about 400 feet away); Whitehead Cemetery

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(about 600 feet away); Thurber (approx. ¼ mile away); Evolution of an Oil Company (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Hotel Knox and Thurber Mining Office (approx. ¼ mile away); Thurber Cemetery (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mingus.

Additional commentary.
1. Thurber Miner's House
From the sign mounted on the building:

This house cost $200 - $300 to build and rented for $6 a month. It is of box-type construction with rooms a standard 14’x14’. Houses were usually painted red, green or yellow. Typical of this house was a “bracket flue” chimney, where the brickwork set on seven foot tall 2 x 10 wood planks. Many homes had several boarders who slept in one room and paid $18 a month for bed, board and laundry. When Thurber was torn down, this house sold for $50, buyer move it. Many of these old houses are still seen throughout the countryside; in use as barns or storage.

— Submitted February 4, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.

St. Barbara's Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

2. St. Barbara's Catholic Church

Thurber's Miner House and St. Barbara's Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

3. Thurber's Miner House and St. Barbara's Catholic Church

View to south from State Highway 108

Thurber's Miner House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

4. Thurber's Miner House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 493 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 4, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.