Dallas Catholic Churches
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Early in the 1870s, Father Perry established the first church of this faith in the city of Dallas. Heretofore the members that had been banded together collected at different residences from time to time, and kept up devotional services. But as soon as the membership could afford any means for the erection of a building for worship, the one now situated on the corner of Bryan and Ervay streets was built, and has been used up to this day as a place of worship, the one now situated on the corner of Bryan and Ervay streets was built, and has been used up to this day as a place of worship. A magnificent cathedral will be built soon on this corner, to cost $100,000, and which, it is said, when completed, will be one of the finest erected in the South.
Father Hennessey, now of Houston, Texas, succeeded Father Perry and remained in service as priest for two years. Then came Father Mertiniere, now chaplain at the Ursuline Academy in East Dallas. He remained in charged until 1889, at which time he was succeeded by Father Joseph Blum, now at Muenster, Cooke County, Texas.
Bishop Thomas F. Brennan was appointed bishop of Dallas, with a territory of 108 counties in northern and northwestern Texas, in December, 1890. He was consecrated bishop at Erie, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1891, and immediately came to Dallas to take charge of his diocese, and when he came he assumed the rectorship of the Church of the Sacred Heart, and transferred Rev. Father Blum to Muenster, Cooke County. Since that time the bishop has been indefatigable in his labors, and is much beloved by his church and all who know him.
St. Patrick's is another Catholic Church, located in the city, at
the corner of South Harwood and Eakin Streets, and under the charge
of Father J. A. Hartnett, assisted by Father P. M. Reagan. These
churches have a very large attendance. About 5,000 souls commune at
these two.
In addition to these churches the Catholics have the Oak Cliff
Orphanage, which institution was founded in 1891 by Bishop Brennan.
The building cost $5,000, and has a very beautiful and imposing
appearance. It is situated on a lofty place in this high, cool and
healthy addition to the city of Dallas. The plat comprises eight
acres of very valuable land, and was donated by T. L. Marsalis, the
originator and former owner of Oak Cliff.
- Memorial & Biographical History of Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 321.
