White Deer Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Historical marker location:WHITE DEER SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH
IN 1909, HENRY CZERNER AND BEN URBANCZYK, BOTH ORIGINALLY FROM THE POLISH COLONY OF PANNA MARIA, TEXAS, CAME TO THE PANHANDLE AND SECURED A BLOCK OF LAND NEAR THE TOWN OF WHITE DEER. BY 1913, TWELVE POLISH FAMILIES HAD SETTLED IN WHITE DEER. WITHOUT A CHURCH, SETTLERS OFTEN HELD PRAYER SERVICES IN INDIVIDUAL HOMES. ONCE A MONTH, A VISITING PRIEST WOULD CONDUCT MASS. FUNDS WERE RAISED AND FATHER C.J. BIER PURCHASED LAND FOR A CHURCH IN FEBRUARY 1913. WHILE MEN CONSTRUCTED THE CHURCH WOMEN AND CHILDREN WORKED IN THE FIELDS AND SACRED HEART WAS COMPLETED ON MAY 29, 1913. THE PARISH GREW AND IN 1927 FATHER M. FRENCH BECAME THE FIRST RESIDENT PASTOR.
DURING THE OIL BOOM SACRED HEART GREW AND BECAUSE OF A LACK OF CATHOLIC CHURCHES, AREA RESIDENTS ATTENDED MASS IN WHITE DEER. FATHER ZIENTA ESTABLISHED THE POLISH SAUSAGE FESTIVAL IN AUGUST 1939 TO PRESERVE POLISH TRADITION, BUT DURING WORLD WAR II THE FESTIVAL WAS DISCONTINUED. THE CHURCH COMMITTEE PURCHASED A HOSPITAL UNIT FROM PAMPA AIR FORCE BASE ON MAY 5, 1948 THAT BECAME THE PARISH HALL. WHEN A TORNADO HIT WHITE DEER IN JUNE 1951, THE ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL WERE BOTH DESTROYED AND SACRED HEART BECAME THE TEMPORARY SCHOOL TO GRADES FIVE THROUGH EIGHT. THE POLISH SAUSAGE FESTIVAL WAS REVIVED IN 1957 AND PROCEEDS WERE USED TO BUILD A NEW CHURCH THAT WAS COMPLETED IN MARCH 1962. THE STATUE BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND RECTORY IS IN HONOR OF ROBERT LANE McCREARY WHO DIED AT SEA ON OCTOBER 27, 1964. CATHOLIC PRIESTS HELPED EARLY POLISH SETTLERS BECOME A PART OF THE COMMUNITY. SACRED HEART HAS CONTINUED SERVING THEIR NEIGHBORS AS A WELCOMING PLACE OF WORSHIP AND HOPE.
(2012)
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.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
European settlers began arriving in Carson County in the mid-19th century, drawn by the prospect of vast grazing land and opportunities for ranching. In 1876, the county was officially established and named after Samuel P. Carson, a scout and buffalo hunter. With the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad in the 1880s, the county experienced rapid growth, attracting both ranchers and farmers to the area.
The early 20th century brought economic diversification to Carson County, with the discovery of oil and gas reserves. This newfound wealth fueled further development and population growth in the region. In the 1920s, the construction of Texas State Highway 3 (now known as U.S. Route 60) through the county enhanced transportation, making it easier to access the surrounding cities.
Carson County played a prominent role during World War II, as it became the location of the Pantex Ordnance Plant in 1942. The plant served as a vital component of the Manhattan Project, manufacturing and assembling nuclear weapons. Today, the Pantex Plant continues to operate and plays a significant role in the defense industry, employing many residents of Carson County.
Throughout its history, Carson County has evolved from a land of Native American tribes and open prairies to a thriving community with a diverse economy. It boasts a rich heritage of ranching, farming, oil production, and defense industries. Despite the challenges and changes over time, the county continues to preserve its history while embracing progress and growth.
Carson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Carson County, Texas.
- 1876 - Carson County was organized and named after Samuel Price Carson, a pioneer settler in the area.
- 1886 - The first post office, Panhandle City, was established.
- 1890 - Panhandle City became the county seat.
- 1902 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway was built through the county, boosting economic growth.
- 1926 - The iconic Route 66 was established, passing through the county and bringing increased tourism.
- 1930s - The Dust Bowl hit Carson County, leading to severe agricultural and economic challenges.
- 1942 - The Pantex Ordnance Plant was established, becoming a major employer in the area during World War II.
- 1956 - Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 40, leading to a decline in local businesses.
- 1984 - The last segment of Route 66 in Texas was officially decommissioned.
- Present - Carson County continues to be an important transportation hub with Interstate 40 and a strong agriculture-based economy.