McMullen Co., TX - Church: St. Joseph's Church, Tilden, TX ********************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Don R. Brownlee USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ********************************************************** History of St. Joseph's Church, Tilden, Texas As far back as 1890, Tilden in McMullen County, was visited by several priests who attended to the spiritual welfare of the people. One of the first was Father Moulin. In 1897 Rev. John Kossbiel came once a month, and the Rev. John Hoban lived there during 1898 and 1899. Under his charge the first church, a nice frame building with a high steeple, was erected. In May, 1899, Father J. Hoban left and Fr. Zarb from Floresville came to Tilden until 1914 when the Claretian Fathers from San Antonio took charge. In 1919 a storm wrecked the church completely and Mass was said in the home of Mrs. Ida Holland until 1922 when Father Michael Puig came and built the present church. In August 1926 Father H. V. Smith from Jourdanton took charge until Nov. 1930. Since that time the Missionaries of the Holy Family, stationed at Jourdanton, have taken care of Tilden. In recent years plans for a badly needed church have been under consideration. [from Robert E. Lucey, Archdiocese of San Antonio 1874-1949, published 1949, page 241]