Holy Cross Catholic Church and Community Plaque

Who hasn’t felt a surge of hope when encountering a place dedicated to both faith and community? Here, standing before the Holy Cross Catholic Church and Community Plaque, we uncover a story deeply intertwined with the spirit of East Austin. The plaque, erected in 2014, commemorates a legacy that began in 1936. Picture this: Reverend Francis R. Weber, driven by faith, gathers African-American Catholics in the humble abode of William M. Tears. There, in that home, the first mass for Holy Cross Catholic Church was held, marking the birth of Austin’s first Catholic Church dedicated to serving its Black community. But Holy Cross aspired to be more than a place of worship. Responding to the lack of healthcare facilities for African-Americans, the church established Holy Cross Hospital in 1940. A beacon of hope, it was the first hospital in Austin to open its doors to Black physicians. The story doesn’t end there. Recognizing the need for education, Holy Cross Catholic School was founded in 1941, nurturing young minds for nearly two decades. The church, a pillar of its community, extended its reach beyond faith and education. Many parishioners stepped into the realm of public service, becoming advocates for social justice and equality. The legacy of Holy Cross Catholic Church, etched in this plaque, speaks volumes about the power of faith, resilience, and community activism. It’s a story that continues to inspire, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, hope and unity can pave the path towards a brighter future.