Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Rt. Rev. Monsignor Marius Etienne Chataignon
(September 17, 1886 - November 18, 1957)
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 24, 2011
1. The Rt. Rev. Monsignor Marius Etienne Chataignon Marker
Chataignon served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army in France during World War I. Appointed chaplain in the U.S. Army Officers Reserve Corps in 1923, he also served with the Texas National Guard, 36th Division. In 1924 he became pastor of Galveston's Sacred Heart Church.
In 1942 "Father Chat, Galveston's soldier priest," as he was fondly known, was promoted to the rank of colonel and served as chief chaplain of the II Corps, 5th Army, in North Africa and Italy during World War II. Pope Pius XII appointed Father Chataignon to the rank of domestic Prelate in 1943. Monsignor Chataignon returned to Sacred Heart Church in 1945 a highly decorated veteran and retired from the army in 1953.
During his years as pastor at Sacred Heart, "Father Chat" was instrumental in the establishment of the Odin High School for Boys which became Kirwin High School, and he organized Boy Scout troops. He is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson.
Erected 1991 by Texas Historical Commission, Msgr. Chataignon
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 29° 18.196′ N, 94° 46.901′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway (State Highway 87) and 14th Street on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1302 Broadway, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sacred Heart Church (a few steps from this marker); The Bishop's Palace (within shouting distance of this marker); William and Adele Skinner House (within shouting distance of this marker); Carl and Hilda Biehl House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Powhatan and Mattie Wren House (about 300 feet away); Thomas Chubb House (about 300 feet away); Julius H. Ruhl Residence (about 400 feet away); St. Paul United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
Photographed By Jim Evans, circa 1991
2. The Rt. Rev. Monsignor Marius Etienne Chataignon Marker
The marker is to the left of the church.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 674 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
