St. Edward's Catholic Church, Athens, Texas

St. Edward's began as a mission of the Immaculate Conception Church in Tyler. Many priests traveled from Tyler on weekends to say mass, baptize and officiate marriages.

1946 - 1947 - St. Edward's Catholic Church was formed in the year 1946 by Father Wolfe who had been sent to Athens by Bishop Lynch from Dallas. The first Roman Catholic Services were held at the Henderson County Courthouse in Athens. After three services in the courthouse, regular catholic church services were held at the Women's Building in Athens. Church members prayed to construct a Catholic church for Father Wolfe. With much hard work, time and money the members were able build a church, a House of the Lord. Thanks to the Church Extension Society, St.Edward's Catholic Church was dedicated on July 20th 1947.

1972 - The parish hall was added in May 1972 during the residency of Father John Fowler fulfilling the need for a place of fellowship for the members of the church.

1980 - St. Edward's was raised to the status of a parish with Msgr. James Tucek being its first resident Pastor. A rectory was built at that time.

1984 - Fr. Samuel S. Metzger served the St Edward's faith community as the second resident pastor, continuing the Lord's work.

1995 - The current Faith Formation Center was converted from the white house next to St. Edward's. In that spring season the Center was blessed by Bishop Edmond Carmody and opened for religious education.

1998 - Fr. Pancras Savarimuthu arrived in June to continue the Lord's mission. The congregation had grown to 330 families and Fr. Pancras encouraged the start of many associations for the welfare of the parish community including the Finance Council and the Parish Council. He led the journey to begin planning a new St. Edward's Campus.

2015 - Fr. Nolan Thomas Lowry, ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tyler on July 17, 2010 arrived in June to pastor His flock at St. Edward’s Parish and the greater Athens area. He has a STB degree in general theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a STL degree in moral theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross also in Rome. Fr. Lowry also serves on the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and the Diocesan Vocations Team. Fr. Lowry’s greatest zeal is to share the joy of knowing and loving Jesus Christ and helping others into relationship with Him through the Catholic Church.

St. Edward's Parish has grown to 750 parish families by 2014. Planning is underway to purchase neighboring property to build a new church, enabling all to worship together.
St. Edward's Parish has grown to 750 parish families by 2014. Having purchased neighboring property, planning is underway to build a new church, enabling all to worship together.