ST MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH - Texline, TX
Mission Church of
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Dalhart, TX 

In 1910, the second Catholic community in Dallam County, St. Mary Catholic Church, was founded by approximately 30 German Catholic families from Illinois who relocated to the Texas plains to found a farming colony in Perico, Texas.  At the time, Perico consisted of a small railroad depot, a general store and a school.  Priests would often arrive at the depot from Dalhart and Amarillo to celebrate Mass, staying with local families until their return.  

To accomodate the growing number of Catholics a church was dedicated in Perico in 1913.  The parishioners were always unsure when and which priest might arrive to celebrate Mass.  

The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s wreaked havoc in the northwest Texas Panhandle and many farmers surrendered to the harsh elements and moved on to other locales.  However, the Catholic community in Perico continued to serve those whose faith helped them survive and remain.
With the original church in deteriorating condition and the population of Perico dwindling, the decision was made to relocate the church to Texline in 1983.  A new, multi-use building was dedicated that year.  Its combination of church, hall, kitchen and classrooms with movable walls became a model for other mission churches built in the area.  

In 2010 St. Mary’s celebrated their 100^th Anniversary with the congregation and the bishop in which during the event several young adults were confirmed.  To celebrate the occasion the original altar from the little church in Perico was refurbished and installed in the new church of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Texline. 

The Catholic community of Texline continues in the sacrificial and firm faith of its ancestors, now counting approximately 25 families who travel from eastern New Mexico, northwest Texas and even the southern Oklahoma Panhandle to celebrate the unity that comes from the Church’s encounter with Christ in every gathering of His faithful.

Today St. Mary's Catholic Church has become a mission church of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Dalhart, TX.  Weekly Mass is said at 7:15 each Saturday.