St. Mary's Catholic Church (Fredericksburg, Texas)

St. Mary's Catholic Church is a historic Roman Catholic parish church located in Fredericksburg, Texas. It is situated in the Texas Hill Country and serves a large congregation in Gillespie County. The current church building is the third to serve the parish, reflecting the growth of the Catholic community in Fredericksburg since its founding in the mid-19th century.

The original Catholic community in Fredericksburg was primarily composed of German immigrants who settled in the area beginning in 1846. The first church was a small structure built of logs. As the community grew, a larger limestone church was constructed in the late 1800s. This second church was eventually deemed insufficient to accommodate the growing congregation.

The present-day St. Mary's Catholic Church is a large, imposing stone structure built in the early 20th century. Its architecture is notable for its Gothic Revival style, featuring pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a soaring steeple. The interior of the church is richly decorated with religious art and statuary.

The church plays a significant role in the religious and cultural life of Fredericksburg. It offers regular Mass services, sacramental celebrations, and religious education programs. St. Mary's also actively participates in community outreach and charitable activities. The parish cemetery, located nearby, contains the graves of many early settlers of Fredericksburg and serves as a historical record of the community's development. The church and its surrounding property contribute to the architectural and historical character of Fredericksburg.