St. Michael's History, Our History...

 The original St. Michael’s Church was located at the head of East First St., adjacent to the Cotton Belt railroad. The building was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Lynch of the Diocese of Dallas, Ft. Worth in March of 1917. In 1917 the first Pastor, Father Boniface of Texarkana, offered Mass here once a month. In 1918 Fr. O' Brien came, still offering mass only on a weekday. In 1938, Fr. Rubin was named pastor of St. Michael. In 1945, Frs. Gilbert and MacNamara offered mass each Sunday. In 1946 Fr. Leary became pastor of St. Michael followed by Fr. Louis Van Dane in 1961 and from 1961 to 1965, Fr. Vincent Spina.

 In 1964 a church, at 1403 East First, was consecrated. The Parish hall and living quarters for the priest were constructed. In 1973 a catechetical center was added to the hall. It was dedicated by Bishop Thomas Tschope of the Diocese of Dallas in May 1974.

 In August 2004, a new church was dedicated by Bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio.

 In 2006 a new Rectory was designed by our parishioner George Sanford and dedicated in 2007 by Bishop Alvaro Corrada at 310 Denman Dr., in the property of St. Michael.

Pastors since 1965.

1965-          Fr. J. Gartner

1966-1968: Fr. D. Kaple.

1969-1970: Fr. R. Dehen

1970-1975: F. R. Healy

1976-1986: Fr. Edward Haggerty

1987-1988: Fr. Joseph Dean

1987-1988: Fr. Paul Ouderkirk (Co pastor)

1988:          Fr. José Saldaña

1989-1992: Fr. Joe Strickland (first local priest of the Diocese of Tyler, born in Atlanta, Texas.

1992-1997: Fr. Gerald Havy.

1997-1998: Fr. Ruben Figueroa.

1999-2001: Fr. Stephen Duyka- Vicars:Frs.Carlos Rangel-Diego Ossa and Anthony

2001-2009:Fr. Octavio  Suarez- Vicars: Frs. Anthony Jesudoss Thomas, Luis Arroyave, Jesse Arroyave, Simon Grillo ,Dan Gonzalez and                                                 

In August 2004, new church was dedicated.                 

The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the war cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes", and leaders of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels as Prince of the Seraphim. St. Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness. St. Michael's Feast day - September 29th