More than 100 years of history for Beaumont landmark

September 13, 2006

Before the City of Beaumont was incorporated, before the oil boom at Spindletop, the Catholic presence was already strong in Southeast Texas.

The first Catholic church in Beaumont, originally St. Louis, is constructed in 1880 when Father Vital Quinon leads Catholics to build a church at the corner of Bowie and Orleans streets.

After oil burst from the earth in January 1901, Father William Lee, then pastor of St. Louis, draws up plans for a new brick church building at a cost of $50,000. The cornerstone is laid in June 1903, and the structure is dedicated on January 27, 1907 by Bishop N.A. Gallagher, in honor of St. Anthony of Padua. That brick building is still in use, and is now St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica.

Other important dates:

• 1937 -- A major interior restoration is undertaken. This includes installing stained-glass windows and adding symbolic oil paintings behind the altar.

• 1966 -- St. Anthony Church becomes St. Anthony Cathedral as the Diocese of Beaumont is founded.

• 1973 -- In a second renovation to the historic church building, the liturgical guidelines of the Second Vatican Council are implemented, and the copper dome is restored.

• 1975 -- The Beaumont Convention and Visitors' Bureau recognizes the significance of the Cathedral to Beaumont, and places a visitor's tour marker sign designating it as one of 17 interesting buildings in a self-guided tour of Beaumont.

• 1981 -- A Texas Historical Marker is placed on the church grounds.

• 2004 -- After restoration, renovation, and repair, St. Anthony Cathedral is rededicated.

• 2006 -- In August, Pope Benedict XVI raises St. Anthony Cathedral to minor basilica status.

• 2006 -- On September 10, a Jubilee Year is proclaimed at the Basilica.