Our History
St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville, Texas has a rich history that includes the founding of the church in 1844, the construction of three churches, and the church's role as a symbol of the community. The church was founded in 1844, eight days after Henri Castro founded Castroville, the only Alsatian colony in the United States. The church is dedicated to St. Louis IX of France, the patron saint, and was one of the first ten parishes in Texas. It's known for its tall spire, which is visible from all over Castroville. In 1970, the church became a historic Texas landmark.​
The Original Church
Est. 1844
The majority of the early settlers in Castroville were Alsatian Catholics. These people were brought to Texas by the empresario, Henry Castro. The Alsatians brought a distinctive culture to Medina County, as exemplified by their Germanic dialect and staunch Catholicism.
Second Church
Today's Church
Est. 1850
Rev. Claude Marie Dubuis erected the second St. Louis church in 1850, with the help of his assistant, Rev. Emmanuel Domenech. St.Louis church was staffed by European priests of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual from 1852 until 1858, and by Benedictines from 1858 until 1868. Both orders of priests were withdrawn from the Texas missions because of the excessive mortality rate cause by the unaccustomed climate.
Est. 1870
Father Perter Richard was pastor of St.Louis from 1868 until 1880. The parishioners, under Richard's guidance, erected a third church of St. Louis in 1870. This building serves as the Catholic Church in Castroville today. The Castrovillians also constructed a fine convent building which served as the motherhouse of the Sisters of Divine Providence until the sisters moved their headquarters to San Antonio in 1895.