Annunciation Church, Houston, Texas
historic place
Annunciation Church in Houston, Harris County, is a historic place. Its construction began in 1867. The Very Reverend Joseph Querat, a missionary to Texas, led this effort. Father Querat, with parishioners, used bricks from the old Harris County Courthouse for the foundation. The church was completed in 1874. Between 1881 and 1884, the sacristy and steeple were added. These followed plans by Nicholas J. Clayton, a leading Texas architect of the late 19th century. Annunciation Church was Houston's second Catholic church, originating from St. Vincent's parish, established in 1839. The cornerstone was laid on April 25, 1869. The church was dedicated on September 10, 1871. Designed in the style of European churches, it experienced damage to its 196-foot steeple during the 1900 coastal hurricane, which was later restored. Annunciation Church is known as the mother church for over 50 parishes. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1969.