History of Notre Dame

Father Henry Gerlach, a pastor from Boerne, in September 1891 came to the Kerrville mission. He celebrated mass on September 6, 1891, in Parson's Hall, a hall owned by Kerrville's mayor, Dr. George R. Parsons. Thirteen days later, on September 19th, Father Gerlach erected a small, 24 by 48 foot frame church at 923 Jefferson Street. He named the church St. Mary's, the first permanent Catholic Church in Kerrville.Thirteen priests ministered to the people of Kerrville between 1892 and 1911, however, Father Kemper served the church in Kerrville longer than anyone. On the eve of Ash Wednesday in 1911, Father Henry Kemper arrived in Kerrville. In 1912 Father Kemper purchased property on Main Street, moved the church to the new site, opened a school, and built a convent and rectory. For nearly half a century, until his death on October 9, 1958, his name has been closely identified with the parish and his adopted home of Kerrville. Dedication of Notre Dame Catholic Church (now Kemper Hall) occurred on December 8, 1935. It served the Catholic community for 55 years. Dedication of the new Notre Dame Church on Water Street took place on January 14, 1990. Under the leadership of Father Michael Peinemann, Notre Dame continues to serve the people of Kerrville by proclaiming the Good News.

If you would like to learn more about the History of Notre Dame Parish, the book titled A Legacy of Faith, by R. A. Johnson tells the story of the faith of our Parish.
To order the book call come by the Pastoral Center or call (830) 257-5961.