Wharton Co., TX - History of St. Procopius Church, Louise, TX
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Don R. Brownlee <dbrownlee@csun.edu>

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History of St. Procopius Church, Louise, Texas
(Established July 4, 1944)

The earliest known settlers around Louise are the following: L. LaBauve,
Druggist, from East Texas, 1890; Fred Foisey, farmer, from Iowa, 1896;
John B. Hodapp from Minnesota, operated the Rice Hotel, 1897; John H.
Chromcak from Lavaca County, 1898, engaged in business and politics.

Father William E. Hefferman came from Inez occasionally to say Mass in
the Rice Hotel, 1898-1899. After that the faithful attended Mass at El
Campo and later at Hillje. Much later Father Francis A. Hazel as pastor of
Ganado brought the benefits of religion to Louise at least on week days,
holding regular catechism classes in the H. P. Stockton Building, known
as the People's Bank, 1917-1918. Finally Father Paul P. Kaspar of Hillje
took steps again to form a parish at Louise. From July 4, 1944, he said Mass
in the Louise Public High School, Pat Smith Building, H. P. Stockton
Building and the Augustin Vajdos Store. Meanwhile he collected money in
the parish and among friends outside the parish for a new church which was
built for about $50,000.00 and dedicated July 24, 1949. The site, 1.6 acres,
was donated by Edward T. Trochta and Augustin Vajdos. The church is well
furnished by generous donations including a Tower Music System for
$2,300.00 given by Father Kaspar. The parish coincides in extent with the
Louise Public School District and comprises 110 families, 425 souls, 90%
of Czech and 10% of German descent. A number of parish societies have
already been established.

[from Robert E. Lucey, Archdiocese of San Antonio 1874-1949, published
1949, pages 178-9]
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