Holy Trinity Church in Hamlin to celebrate parish’s Golden Jubilee on February 16
HAMLIN, TEXAS—Parishioners of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hamlin will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the parish in February.
On February 16, 2019, Most Rev. Robert Coerver, Bishop of Lubbock, will celebrate Mass with the parish community at 5 p.m.
The February gathering commemorates the blessing of a new church January 26, 1969, by Most Rev. Thomas Tschoepe, second Bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo.
However, the history of this small Catholic community began many years prior to 1969.
From 1909 to 1914 settlers living in the Hamlin area attended Mass in Rotan. Fathers Carmelo Gallidardani and Jose, priests from Dallas, visited the area, followed by Father Joseph M. Keller who came from Hermleigh.
Through the years, various priests traveled to Hamlin from Sweetwater, Jayton, Rotan, and Abilene to celebrate Mass in different places.
Area Catholics could also attend Mass in Stamford and, perhaps, travel to a newly-built church near Hamlin dedicated to the Sacred Heart in 1924.
Fast forward to 1961, when a small army barracks originally used at Camp Barkley in Abilene, was purchased for $1,000 and moved from Anson to the north side of Hamlin. Parishioners remodeled the building to use as a temporary church until a permanent structure would be built.
Hamlin Catholic Center, as it was called, began celebrating regular Masses on April 2, 1961, under the pastorate of Father James A. Meuree, assisted by Father Ralph Goddard.
With a $10,000 grant from Catholic Extension Society, a new church that could seat 200 people was built.
The total cost of the structure was $25,947.00. On January 26, 1969, Bishop Thomas Tschoepe of the San Angelo Diocese dedicated Holy Trinity Church. Parishioners celebrated afterwards at a reception in the parish hall which was the old church. At the time, it was a mission of the parish of Saint Michael’s in Anson.
Father Frank Nelan, MSC, a Missionary of the Sacred Heart born and ordained in Ireland, is listed as the pastor of Holy Trinity when Holy Trinity Church became part of the newly-formed Diocese of Lubbock in June 1983.
He was succeeded by Father George Thekkedam in late 1985 and then Father Oscar Del Rio in 1996.
Plans for a new catechetical center were begun by Father Del Rio, but he passed away before the old parish hall could be moved off the property.
Father John Cherolikal, the new pastor, continued the work. There were many hours of fundraising; donations included a generous grant from Catholic Extension Society.
Most Rev. Plácido Rodríguez, CMF, second Bishop of Lubbock, dedicated the new catechetical center on May 5, 2003.
Father Michael Melcher guided Holy Trinity Parish until his retirement in September of 2015. Father Selva Nayagam, HGN, a priest of India-based Heralds of Good News, has led the parish community since Father Melcher’s departure.
After the February 16 anniversary Mass, parishioners will host a dinner in the Fellowship Hall. Memories will be included in a picture wall in the parish hall.
For more information, please call the parish at (325) 823-2777.
On February 16, 2019, Most Rev. Robert Coerver, Bishop of Lubbock, will celebrate Mass with the parish community at 5 p.m.
The February gathering commemorates the blessing of a new church January 26, 1969, by Most Rev. Thomas Tschoepe, second Bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo.
However, the history of this small Catholic community began many years prior to 1969.
From 1909 to 1914 settlers living in the Hamlin area attended Mass in Rotan. Fathers Carmelo Gallidardani and Jose, priests from Dallas, visited the area, followed by Father Joseph M. Keller who came from Hermleigh.
Through the years, various priests traveled to Hamlin from Sweetwater, Jayton, Rotan, and Abilene to celebrate Mass in different places.
Area Catholics could also attend Mass in Stamford and, perhaps, travel to a newly-built church near Hamlin dedicated to the Sacred Heart in 1924.
Fast forward to 1961, when a small army barracks originally used at Camp Barkley in Abilene, was purchased for $1,000 and moved from Anson to the north side of Hamlin. Parishioners remodeled the building to use as a temporary church until a permanent structure would be built.
Hamlin Catholic Center, as it was called, began celebrating regular Masses on April 2, 1961, under the pastorate of Father James A. Meuree, assisted by Father Ralph Goddard.
With a $10,000 grant from Catholic Extension Society, a new church that could seat 200 people was built.
The total cost of the structure was $25,947.00. On January 26, 1969, Bishop Thomas Tschoepe of the San Angelo Diocese dedicated Holy Trinity Church. Parishioners celebrated afterwards at a reception in the parish hall which was the old church. At the time, it was a mission of the parish of Saint Michael’s in Anson.
Father Frank Nelan, MSC, a Missionary of the Sacred Heart born and ordained in Ireland, is listed as the pastor of Holy Trinity when Holy Trinity Church became part of the newly-formed Diocese of Lubbock in June 1983.
He was succeeded by Father George Thekkedam in late 1985 and then Father Oscar Del Rio in 1996.
Plans for a new catechetical center were begun by Father Del Rio, but he passed away before the old parish hall could be moved off the property.
Father John Cherolikal, the new pastor, continued the work. There were many hours of fundraising; donations included a generous grant from Catholic Extension Society.
Most Rev. Plácido Rodríguez, CMF, second Bishop of Lubbock, dedicated the new catechetical center on May 5, 2003.
Father Michael Melcher guided Holy Trinity Parish until his retirement in September of 2015. Father Selva Nayagam, HGN, a priest of India-based Heralds of Good News, has led the parish community since Father Melcher’s departure.
After the February 16 anniversary Mass, parishioners will host a dinner in the Fellowship Hall. Memories will be included in a picture wall in the parish hall.
For more information, please call the parish at (325) 823-2777.
