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On January 29, 1968, the Valley-area chapter, Quinton Stockwell, sponsored a marker for Our Lady of Visitation Church located at Santa Maria, Texas, on the Old Military Highway. Named in honor of the Virgin Mary, the church is located on property donated to the Catholic Church by L. J. Hynes of Santa Maria from his holdings in the original La Feria land grant of 1776. Construction of the Gothic-style church was begun late in 1880 and completed in 1882 by the “Monks on Horseback,” the Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate, a missionary order of the Catholic Church. A shift in population away from the small church resulted in its almost complete abandonment by 1907, and the passage of years and severe weather have taken their toll. Time and again the beautiful chapel of Santa Maria has been restored, though failure to replace the tall steeple blown away during a 1933 hurricane has greatly altered the facade of the church.
According to local legend, at one time a tunnel ran underground from the Church southward and under the Military Highway to the well-fortified Rancho de Santa Maria, affording to churchgoers safety from Indian or bandit attacks. Other tales say that the church was used to store hay, to hide Mexican aliens who were being smuggled across the border, and for many other profane uses.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Harold S. Hensley, Chapter Regent and State Chairman of the Historic Landmarks. and Memorials Committee, Quinton Stockwell Chapter sponsored the historical marker for the church which bears the date October 28, 1967. At the unveiling on January 29, 1968, the guest speaker and recipient of the marker was the Most Reverend Dr. Homberto S. Maderas, Bishop of Brownsville. Other church officials and representatives of various Valley historical and patriotic organizations were present for the DAC dedication ceremony, during which Mrs. Hensley removed the brass plaque’s cover which featured the DAC colors, emblem, and acorn branches. |
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29 Jan 1968—Our Lady of Visitation Church , Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas Quinton Stockwell Chapter |
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Historical Markers by Texas Chapters |
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Then... |
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....and Now— |