Saint Augustine Catholic Church

In the heart of Dallas, nestled on St. Augustine Drive, stands Saint Augustine Catholic Church. It’s a place where the echoes of history whisper through the stained-glass windows, a testament to the enduring faith of a community. Saint Augustine Catholic Church wasn’t always the grand structure you see today. Its story begins humbly in 1937 with a simple class held in a home on Rosemont Road. Soon after, in 1938, the burgeoning Catholic community gathered in a rustic shed on the Fite family farm near Lake June and Hazelnut Roads. Imagine the scene: families, mostly of German, Irish, Czech, and Italian descent, coming together to worship. This diverse group formed the core of what would become Saint Augustine Parish. Mabel Fite generously offered three acres of her land to Bishop Joseph P. Lynch for a new church. The Bishop accepted, and the name “Hazelnut Road” was changed to “St. Augustine Drive” to honor the new parish. Ground was broken in October 1938, and in April 1939, Bishop Lynch dedicated the small mission church. The first collection? A mere $2.86. Saint Augustine Catholic Church continued to grow. The Fite family donated more land, a rectory was built, and a parish hall was constructed by the parishioners themselves. The parish even faced a split when St. Philip’s Parish was formed, dividing St. Augustine’s territory. Yet, within two years, St. Augustine’s membership rebounded, its boundaries firmly established. The church has seen many changes throughout the years. A school was built, and the Sister Servants of the Holy Ghost began teaching there in 1957. The original mission church tragically burned down in 1982. However, from the ashes rose a new, larger church. The first mass was held in December 1984, and the dedication followed in February 1985. Saint Augustine Catholic Church stands as a symbol of resilience, growth, and unwavering faith. From a humble gathering in a shed to the magnificent structure of today, it’s a story deeply woven into the fabric of Dallas.