Father Adrien Pierre Telmon, one of the first Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate came to Brownsville and built a small wooden church and celebrated the first mass on June 29, 1850.  The church was located between East Adams & Jefferson Streets

Father Pierre Yves Keralum, was an architect in France before becoming an Oblate.  Originally, he was sent to Roma, Texas but was transferred to Brownsville to take over the construction of the Immaculate Conception Church.

The church was built in a Gothic Revival style.  It all became a reality through the generous contributions of its parishioners throughout the years. 

The church was built in a Gothic Revival style.  It all became a reality through the generous contributions of its parishioners throughout the years. 

Over 250,000 clay bricks were made for the church in the village of Santa Rosalia, 3 miles east of the old town site of Brownsville.  

The cathedral has a blue canvas arched vaulted ceiling that at one time was dovered with gold stars.  The pulpit was built of native mesquite by a local cabinetmaker and a concealed spiral staircase provided access to the pulpit.

In 1866, a parishioner gave $1,400 for the purchase of chandeliers, which were ordered from a factory in Paris. 

These bells bare the names and christening dates of the Kenedy children.  The smaller bell used in the original wooden church structure was moved to the tower as well.  These same bronze bells ring today in Brownsville's downtown area, announcing each Mass.

Father Parisot travelled throughout the Rio Grande Valley on horseback for 15 days collecting livestock donations and then raffling the livestock for $11 each to raise the $1,450 needed for purchasing the pipe organ.