St. Anthony Catholic Parish
Historical marker location:The community of Harper, named after George Franklin Harper, grew in the 1880s when pioneers from surrounding settlements moved to the area. Prior to the establishment of a Catholic church, families drove horses and wagons twenty-five miles to the Catholic church in Fredericksburg. Because of this exigency, the Catholic Diocese of San Antonio assigned Father Frederick Fassbender to say mass here in 1908. The first mass in Harper was held at the home of Jacob Fielder on St. Patrick’s day in 1908. Father Fassbender, the trustees, and parishioners sacrificed time and money to build the St. Anthony Catholic Church, dedicated on August 10, 1909. The generosity of the church members and the community contributed to many of the integral pieces of the church, including the altar, bell, cross, crucifix, statues, and a tapestry dated 1887.
St. Anthony Catholic Parish added to their campus over the years with a cemetery in 1911, a rectory in 1920 and 1970, a parish hall in 1933 and 2007, and a new church in 1958. The parish hall has operated for many years as a location for social activities such as weddings, games, bazaars, parties, and events for the community. Many of St. Anthony’s parishioners proudly served their country in the armed forces, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. The parishioners also contributed to their community through the church choir, vacation bible school, or with youth activities, events, or community projects for the people of Harper and Gillespie County. For more than a century, St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish served, and continues to serve, the church, community, state, and nation
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
The pioneer settlers of Gillespie County were mostly of German descent, seeking a new life and economic opportunities. They developed a thriving agricultural community, growing crops like cotton, corn, and wheat. The early settlers also established successful farms and ranches, making Gillespie County one of the leading agricultural regions in Texas.
During the Civil War, Gillespie County experienced some conflict and tensions due to the differing loyalties of its residents. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of growth and prosperity as the railroad reached Fredericksburg, the county seat, in 1913. This opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to economic development and population growth.
In recent years, Gillespie County has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history, charming small towns, and beautiful natural surroundings. Today, the county is known for its wineries, historic sites, and festivals that celebrate its German heritage. It continues to thrive as a center of agriculture, tourism, and cultural preservation in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Gillespie County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Gillespie County, Texas.
- 1848 - Gillespie County is established and named after Robert Addison Gillespie
- 1849 - The county seat is established in Fredericksburg
- 1850s - German immigrants begin settling in the area, shaping the county's culture and economy
- 1861-1865 - Gillespie County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1880s - The county experiences growth with the arrival of the railroad and expansion of agriculture
- 1900s - Gillespie County faces challenges such as the 1900 storm and the Great Depression
- 1940s - Fort Mason is established as a training center during World War II
- 1970s - Tourism becomes an important industry, boosting the county's economy
- 1990s - Fredericksburg becomes a popular tourist destination with its historic downtown and wineries