San Agustín Cathedral

History

Our Time line History

1755
1755 – The First Church

The first church at the site was constructed shortly after Laredo was founded in 1755, and appears to have been a humble jacal- an indigenous split mesquite, mud plastered structure.

1768
1768 -1875

The second (or third), much more substantial church building was located just west of the present school. It was begun about 1768 and built of local sandstone. This second church remained until about 1875, when it was razed. More than 90 burials were recorded by Warren and Archaeological Consultants, Inc.,…Read More

1872
1872

The present church building was dedicated in 1872, following a six year building campaign. Its foundations date at least to the early nineteenth century and possibly to late in the eighteenth century. The architect is unknown, but it appears that Father Pierre Keralum of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a…Read More

1927
1927

In 1927 the three story brick school was constructed northwest of the Cathedral. Originally it seems to have provided classrooms for elementary, Middle school, and high school, but in 1976 both the elementary and high school classes were moved from the building.

1945
1945 and 1953

The building assumed its present configuration during major rehabilitation/remodeling between 1945 and 1953. During that work, the building extended 35 feet toward the east. The sanctuary was totally renovated, and two new sacristies were created. A baptistery was constructed on the south side of the main entrance and Our Lady…Read More

2019
2019 – 2021

The beauty of San Agustín Cathedral is undeniable, but the present church of San Agustín was erected in 1872 and was never designed to be a functioning cathedral and mother-church for an entire diocese. The San Agustín Cathedral: Our Story, Our Faith, Our Cathedral campaign project reconfigured the existing church to…Read More

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