Historical Marker

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

Historical marker location:
801 Montecito, San Angelo, Texas
( Centered in front of the Church building facing Kenwood Street)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

ON NOV. 23, 1929, A GROUP OF GREEK RESIDENTS IN SAN ANGELO MADE THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO ORGANIZE THE GREEK COMMUNITY IN THE AREA BY CREATING THE “HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY ‘THE PLATON’” OR “PLATON SOCIETY.” THIS SOCIETY WAS INTENDED TO ESTABLISH A SCHOOL TO TEACH THE GREEK LANGUAGE AND TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS STUDIES. IN THE EARLY DECADES, THERE WAS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE PLATON SOCIETY AND THE CHURCH AS THE FORMER CONTROLLED THE LATTER. THE SOCIETY INCORPORATED JUL. 6, 1931, WHILE THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY SAN ANGELO INCORPORATED ON NOV. 28, 1932.

AFTER MEETING AT A CAFÉ FOR OVER A YEAR, THE SOCIETY DECIDED TO FIND A PLACE TO HOLD THEIR SERVICES AND SCHOOL, ULTIMATELY CHOOSING TO RENT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN 1933. ON MAY 9, 1936, A FIRE CONSUMED THE BUILDING ADJOINED TO THE CHURCH, LEADING THE ORTHODOX CONGREGATION TO VOTE TO ERECT THEIR OWN BUILDING. LOCAL ARCHITECT L.H. GASKINS DESIGNED A NEW STRUCTURE BUT ONE BASED ON THE OLD CHURCH. THEY ALSO BOUGHT THE FIRE DAMAGED EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND MOVED IT TO THIS LOCATION WHERE THE PRESENT CHURCH WAS BUILT. ON JUL. 28, 1937, THE SOCIETY BOUGHT TWO LOTS AT AVENUE G AND SAM STREET (NOW MONTECITO AND KENWOOD) FROM G.I. DORRANCE FOR $950. TODAY, THIS BUILDING IS STILL HOME TO THE PARISH ALTHOUGH IT HAS ADDED ON A PARISH HALL AND STOREROOM AND BEEN RENOVATED.

AT THE TIME, THE CHURCH WAS THE LARGEST IN WEST TEXAS IN TERMS OF GEOGRAPHIC AREA SERVED, MINISTERING TO SAN ANGELO, MIDLAND, ODESSA, PECOS, LUBBOCK AND AMARILLO. THE CHURCH, BEGINNING AS THE CENTER OF A THRIVING IMMIGRANT GREEK COMMUNITY, ALSO ATTRACTS MANY NON-GREEKS DRAWN BY THEIR FAITH. ALTHOUGH THE CHURCH’S MAKEUP HAS CHANGED SINCE THE 1930s, ITS LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY IS STILL GOING STRONG, BRINGING A SENSE OF PEACE AND BEAUTY TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

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.

Greek Orthodox denomination religion churches
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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.
Texas random facts
Tom Green County is located in West Texas and was named after Thomas Green, a Texas patriot. The history of the county dates back to the mid-1800s when it was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche. Native American settlements gradually declined in the area with the arrival of European settlers, especially after the establishment of Fort Concho in 1867.

In the late 1800s, the county began to attract settlers looking for opportunities in ranching and agriculture. This period saw an influx of farmers and ranchers who developed the land for cattle and sheep grazing, as well as growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The population increased significantly during this time, leading to the official organization of Tom Green County in 1874.

The county experienced rapid growth during the late 19th century, thanks to the establishment of Fort Concho and the expansion of the railroad. Fort Concho served as a primary military post protecting settlements against Native American raids and fostered economic growth by providing stability and resources to the region. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further spurred economic development, making transportation of goods easier and stimulating trade.

In the early 20th century, Tom Green County faced several challenges, including droughts and the Great Depression. However, the county managed to overcome these obstacles and continued to thrive. Today, Tom Green County is known for its agriculture, oil and gas production, and as a center for healthcare and education. With a rich history that encompasses Native American heritage, frontier life, military significance, and economic growth, Tom Green County has played a vital role in the development of West Texas.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tom Green County, Texas.

  • 1874 - Tom Green County is organized and named after Confederate General Thomas Green.
  • 1882 - The first courthouse in Tom Green County is built in the city of Ben Ficklin.
  • 1884 - San Angelo becomes the county seat after a contentious election.
  • 1886 - The Texas and Pacific Railway line is extended to San Angelo, boosting the city's economy.
  • 1899 - San Angelo is incorporated as a city.
  • 1928 - Goodfellow Air Force Base is established as a training facility during World War II.
  • 1952 - Construction of the O.H. Ivie Reservoir begins on the Colorado River near San Angelo.
  • 1995 - The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts opens.
  • 2002 - San Angelo experiences a devastating flood, causing significant damage to the city.
  • 2015 - The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo celebrates its 83rd anniversary.