St. Joseph's Church
2202 Ave. K, Galveston, TXGalveston was a major point of entry into the state of Texas for a large number of German immigrants during the nineteenth century. Many selected to remain in the port city while others moved immediately on or stayed only long enough to accumulate some capital before moving inland. The construction of St. Joseph's Church marked and recognized the religious needs of the German minority population living in Galveston.
By 1859 the German-speaking population of Galveston had increased to the extent that Bishop J. M. Odin recommended the construction of a church in which German language services might be held. Three lots on the northwest comer of Twenty-second Street and Avenue K were purchased and architect Joseph Bleicke was commissioned to construct the building. After an expenditure of $4,000, the new church was dedicated in April 1860, to the patronage of St. Joseph. The church constructed and operated the first parochial high school in Galveston, opening it in 1876, in a building on the same block. The school closed in 1926.
The Diocese closed the church in 1968, and its contents were sold at a public auction. The building itself was scheduled to become a warehouse. The Galveston Historical Foundation recovered most of the furnishings and succeeded in making arrangements with the Diocese to re-store and maintain the structure. It is now open to the public periodically and used for special events, including an occasional church service.
Architecturally, St. Joseph's Church is the oldest remaining example in Galveston of the simple wooden ecclesiastical style. The Gothic Revival structure provides a contrast to the larger brick churches with towering spires found elsewhere in the city. Although damaged by the 1900 storm, the church was repaired, enlarged and redecorated within the year. Subsequent minor changes have been made, but the structure retains its original architectural character.
The interior of St. Joseph's, with its painted and coffered wood ceiling is unique in Galveston, and one of very few in the state of Texas. In the church are the original cedar pews, poor box, Baptismal Fount, pulpit, and Stations of the Cross with German wording. The altars are believed to be original.
Local significance of the building:
By 1859 the German-speaking population of Galveston had increased to the extent that Bishop J. M. Odin recommended the construction of a church in which German language services might be held. Three lots on the northwest comer of Twenty-second Street and Avenue K were purchased and architect Joseph Bleicke was commissioned to construct the building. After an expenditure of $4,000, the new church was dedicated in April 1860, to the patronage of St. Joseph. The church constructed and operated the first parochial high school in Galveston, opening it in 1876, in a building on the same block. The school closed in 1926.
The Diocese closed the church in 1968, and its contents were sold at a public auction. The building itself was scheduled to become a warehouse. The Galveston Historical Foundation recovered most of the furnishings and succeeded in making arrangements with the Diocese to re-store and maintain the structure. It is now open to the public periodically and used for special events, including an occasional church service.
Architecturally, St. Joseph's Church is the oldest remaining example in Galveston of the simple wooden ecclesiastical style. The Gothic Revival structure provides a contrast to the larger brick churches with towering spires found elsewhere in the city. Although damaged by the 1900 storm, the church was repaired, enlarged and redecorated within the year. Subsequent minor changes have been made, but the structure retains its original architectural character.
The interior of St. Joseph's, with its painted and coffered wood ceiling is unique in Galveston, and one of very few in the state of Texas. In the church are the original cedar pews, poor box, Baptismal Fount, pulpit, and Stations of the Cross with German wording. The altars are believed to be original.
Architecture; Religion; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About Galveston County
Galveston County Timeline
Galveston County, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. Spanish explorers were among the first to visit the region, followed by French and English explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries.
In 1816, Pirate Jean Lafitte established a short-lived settlement on Galveston Island, which became a haven for smugglers and criminals. However, the pirate era came to an end when the Mexican government took control of Texas and drove out Lafitte and his fellow pirates.
The 19th century saw Galveston County become a major seaport and commercial center. In 1839, the city of Galveston was founded and quickly grew in size and prosperity. The city became an important hub for the Texas cotton industry and played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Civil War.
However, Galveston faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including devastating hurricanes. The most notable was the Great Storm of 1900, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, claiming thousands of lives and causing extensive damage. Despite the destruction, Galveston rebuilt and implemented engineering projects, including the construction of a seawall, to protect the city from future hurricanes.
Today, Galveston County is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The county has successfully preserved its rich heritage while embracing modern development, making it a unique and diverse place to visit and live.
In 1816, Pirate Jean Lafitte established a short-lived settlement on Galveston Island, which became a haven for smugglers and criminals. However, the pirate era came to an end when the Mexican government took control of Texas and drove out Lafitte and his fellow pirates.
The 19th century saw Galveston County become a major seaport and commercial center. In 1839, the city of Galveston was founded and quickly grew in size and prosperity. The city became an important hub for the Texas cotton industry and played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Civil War.
However, Galveston faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including devastating hurricanes. The most notable was the Great Storm of 1900, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, claiming thousands of lives and causing extensive damage. Despite the destruction, Galveston rebuilt and implemented engineering projects, including the construction of a seawall, to protect the city from future hurricanes.
Today, Galveston County is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The county has successfully preserved its rich heritage while embracing modern development, making it a unique and diverse place to visit and live.
Galveston County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Galveston County, Texas.
- 1528 - Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca becomes the first known European to set foot on Galveston Island
- 1816 - Pirate Jean Lafitte establishes a base on Galveston Island
- 1825 - Galveston becomes a port of entry for the newly formed Republic of Mexico
- 1836 - Galveston becomes an important port during the Texas Revolution
- 1839 - The City of Galveston is officially incorporated
- 1854 - Galveston becomes the largest city in Texas
- 1900 - Galveston is struck by a devastating hurricane, resulting in over 6,000 deaths
- 1901 - Oil is discovered in nearby Spindletop, leading to a period of economic growth
- 1957 - The world's first offshore drilling rig is built in Galveston
- 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes significant damage to Galveston