The original St. Michael Catholic Church was the center of the third oldest parish in San Antonio, Texas, and a nucleus for the Polish people of the city.  It began with the arrival of Father Vincent Barzynski of the Ressurectionist Order who was the first resident pastor. On November 8, 1866, the first Mass of the newly organized parish was celebrated in the San Fernando Cathedral.  St. Michael’s parish services were initially held in a rented one-story, rock building.  The first church was constructed in 1871, and two years later, St. Michael’s School was opened.

Following Father Vincent Barzynski as pastor were:  Rev. Joseph Barzynski, Rev. Stanislaus Wojciechowski, Rev. Felix Zwiardowski, Rev. Adelbert Pelizar, Rev. Ludwig (Louis) Dombrowski, and Rt. Rev. Thomas Moczygemba.

In 1922, the original church was torn down and a larger edifice of white brick was erected.  The cornerstone of this majestic church was laid on July 4, 1922, followed by the dedication on October 25, 1922.  The blessing of the beautiful stained glass windows took place on December 2, 1923 [see Illuminated Faith on this website].

The photographs below provide a glimpse inside this gorgeous house of God so loved by the Polish Texan parishioners.  This historic church, with St. Michael the Archangel as its standard bearer, was demolished to make room for the 1968 HemisFair. 

Sources: 

·         Gilbert, Rev. M.J., compiler and editor. Archdiocese of San Antonio, 1874-1949: An illustrated record of the foundation and growth of parishes, missions, and religious institutions in that part of Texas under the spiritual jurisdiction of the See of San Antonio.  San Antonio, Texas:  Schneider Printing Company, 1949.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church 1866-1966 Centennial.  San Antonio, Texas: Privately printed, 1966.

St. Michael Catholic Church
San Antonio, Texas

The above photo was taken at the celebration of Msgr. Thomas Moczygemba’s 60 years as a priest on January 5, 1950.  From left to right are:  Msgr. Anthony Drozd, Msgr. Patrick Geehan, celebrant, Rev. Julius Dworaczyk, Rev. Stanislaus Przyborowski, Msgr. Thomas Moczygemba, Rev. Theodore Janysek, and Rev. Erwin Juraschek, the Master of Ceremonies (with his back to the photographer).