Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, El Paso

Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, also called Temple San Ignacio de Loyola, has served the community since construction of the present church began in 1913 at a cost of about $22,000. An earlier church and school were dedicated in 1905, and the parish was formally established in 1917. Jesuit priests from the Mexican Province began administering the church in 1914, and during the Mexican Revolution it became an important centre for families in Segundo Barrio and soldiers from nearby Camp Cotton (established in 1916).

The church is built of reddish brick. Its Italian Renaissance façade and two towers were added during a remodel designed by architect Gustavus A. Trost of Trost & Trost and dedicated on April 2, 1922. The central section of the façade was inspired by the Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence. Inside, a central nave leads toward the altar, and the ceiling above it is decorated with elaborate paintings.

Today the parish continues to serve a largely bilingual congregation as part of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso. Masses and parish activities are often held in Spanish, with some bilingual services as well. The church organizes catechism classes, youth programs, and celebrations for holidays such as Christmas and Easter, continuing its long tradition of supporting immigrant and migrant communities.