T his structure is one of the oldest churches in the state and is part of the Presidio La Bahia fortress. The church’s walls are incorporated into some of the most formidable fortification in the complex. The building is in excellent shape and is still used for regular worship services today.
This is evident even from the outside as there is a new statue of the Virgin Mary occupying a high niche and there are speakers in the bell tower to recreate the sound of bells tolling without taking a toll on the bells. While the sanctuary is well lit, the light is focused on the altar giving the rest of the church a more moody feel. Remember, this was part of a fortress, so there are few windows to let the light in. Local newspapers claim there is supposed to be the shape of a face hidden in the chapel’s façade, but when a crew from Glass Steel and Stone visited the site we were unable to see it. A plaque outside reads:
"Our Lady of Loreto Chapel First established by Spain in 1721 Relocated to this site in 1749 First Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico signed on this altar December 20, 1835 Services have been held in this Chapel almost continuously since its establishment Services held here every Sunday 5:00 PM C.S.T."
