History of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church - Page 3

    1956.  During his pastorate, the second parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe was becoming inadequate in size to care for the increasing number of Catholics who came to make their homes in East Austin.  So it was judged necessary to construct a larger and a more commodious Our Lady Guadalupe Church.

    During the early part of spring, 1953, excavation and ground work were begun and on May 31, 1953 the cornerstone of the new church was laid by the Most Rev. Bishop Reicher D.D., Bishop of Austin.  From that day on, work progressed and on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1954, the first Mass was celebrated in the present Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.  On the same day the Bishop also dedicated the spacious and very beautiful church.

    The church today is one of the most beautiful churches in Austin.  It is spacious: it can seat about 700 people.  Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is truly a beautiful home for our Divine Saviour and a wonderful tribute to the resident Catholic people of this parish, who have supported it through the years.

    On May 31, 1956, Father Herbert Hooks O.M.I., arrived to become pastor.  During his pastorate, a new convent was built in 1959, and more office space was added in the rectory.

    On September 13, 1962, Father Joseph Sammon O.M.I., began his pastorate.  A year later he was named pastor of St. Mary's Church in San Antonio.

    On September 9th, 1963, Father Stanley Guzik