Deep in the heart of Texas, nestled amidst the rolling hills, lies the story of Saint Dominic Church. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of a community, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history. Saint Dominic Church was founded in 1847 in the small town of D’Hanis. Henri Castro, a Jewish-Portugese immigrant, founded D’Hanis after receiving a land grant. The town’s namesake, Guillaume D’Hanis, was an employee of Castro’s colonization company. The original settlers hailed from Alsace, France. Their traditions and faith became intertwined with the Texan landscape. The first church building, erected in 1853, was a sturdy structure of stone and timber. Imagine ox-wagons lumbering through the terrain, carrying timber from the Medina River. These materials would form the very bones of Saint Dominic Church. The church thrived for decades, serving as the spiritual heart of D’Hanis. However, fate had other plans. In 1881, the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway built a depot about 1 ½ miles west of D’Hanis. The town, eager to be near the new hub of commerce, relocated. Only Saint Dominic Church remained in the original location, which became known as Old D’Hanis. The church continued its service, a solitary sentinel in the deserted town. Its walls echoed with the memories of weddings, baptisms, and Sunday sermons. But tragedy struck again. In 1912, a fire ravaged the building, leaving only ruins behind. A new Saint Dominic Church was built in New D’Hanis in 1915. Today, as you stand before the ruins of Old Saint Dominic Church, you can almost hear the echoes of the past. The limestone walls, scarred by fire and time, whisper stories of faith and resilience.
Judson High School
Remember the name Moses Campbell Judson. Judson High School and the entire Judson Independent School District carry his name. He