Our History

Interdenominational services began here in 1972 under the direction of Father Walter J. Dalton, C.S.P., who offered Mass in a variety of places in Horseshoe Bay before the Chapel was built. In 1979, Wayne and Eileen Hurd donated property for a chapel and a portion of the funds to build it. The property was named Thanksgiving Mountain.

The Chapel was dedicated on December 5, 1982, and for over 10 years served the entire religious community of Horseshoe Bay. The Community of St. Paul the Apostle welcomes people from all over the country to enjoy this place of prayerful reflection. God’s handiwork is visible in this beautiful natural setting.

On December 5, 1982 the Chapel at Horseshoe Bay was formally dedicated in an interfaith Celebration and a Mass of Blessing.

The Chapel was also called the St. Paul the Apostle Interfaith Center. The Iinterfaith Service of Thanksgiving and Sharing was held at 3:30 p.m. on December 5, 1982. The Call to Worship was provided by Rev. Walter Dalton and the Benediction by Rev. Tom Campbell. There were many other ministers who participated in the ceremony.

They gathered to ask God's blessing upon the beautiful Chapel, and upon all who will participate in its life. Every gathering for worship on Thanksgiving Mountain will be a time of praise and thanksgiving. The Order of Service, Participants and the Welcome Greeting are provided in this "Service of Thanksgiving and Sharing"  program. Click here. 

On the same day, December 5. 1982, a Mass of Blessing was celebrated at the Chapel with Most Rev. Vincent M Harris, Bishop of Austin officiating. The Order of the Mass and prayers are found in "Blessing". Click here.

Here is a Chapel Christmas card featuring the statue "Our Lady of the Lake" by Artist Sister Mary Peter Tremonte from 1982. Click here.

On December 9, 2007 a Silver Jubilee Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Gregory M. Aymond, Bishop of Austin. The celebration recognized the humble beginnings of the Church. The first Mass, which was celebrated by Father Dalton on June 25, 1972, had a congregation of nine people. By the time the Church was ready for use 10 years later, December 1982,  the congregation had grown so large there was need for three services, two for Catholic worshipers and one for those of other denominations.

It is with this background the Silver Jubilee was celebrated. The Silver Jubilee was memorialized in this wonderful brochure, presented here in two parts. Part One provides the Order of the Mass, with hymns, readings, prayers and a welcome letter by Rev. Peter Higgins, Pastor. Part Two is a Short History of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. This history begins in the Summer of 1962 and ends in November of 2007.

Part One - Order of the Mass. Click here.

Part Two - A Short History of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Click here.