The third, and current St. Louis Church faces Houston Square on Angelo Street. It dominates the historic district of the city of Castroville. The church was built between 1868 and 1870. Work began in 1868 and with the building complete except for the spire and the floor, the church was dedicated on August 25, 1870, the feast of St. Louis.

Local masons and carpenters constructed the church with native limestone and hand-hewn cypress under the direction of the parish pastor, Rev. Peter Richard, a native of Loire, France. 150 feet long and 52 feet wide, it was one of the largest Catholic churches in Texas at that time.

In 1908, the original spire was replaced with the taller spire seen today. Stained glass windows were also installed at that time. A major renovation was undertaken in 1972-73 which included a new roof, tile floors, re-plastered walls and central heating and cooling. The original altars, statues and locally built pews are still in use today.

A photo showing all three churches built by the parish is located in the vestibule of the church. You are welcome to take some time for quiet reflection in this beautiful historic church.

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