At the beginning of the twentieth century, Premont was a mission of Falfurrias. According to the late Mrs. Rita Salazar, her husband, Mr. Calixto Salazar, built a small church about 1911.

The records at Sacred Heart in Falfurrias show that in 1914, Father Cayetano Alvarez came to Premont from Falfurrias to officiate at church services. He came by train to celebrate Mass at Saint Anthony, which was the first Mission located at SE 5th and Albert Streets. On Sunday, the priest would leave Falfurrias and arrive at Premont at 4:00 A.M.. He would rest and eat his meals in the home of Andrés and Tomasita Canales, who had designated a room in their home to make the priest comfortable. At 4:00 P.M., he would return to Falfurrias by train. On specific days, he would come and officiate at weddings and baptisms. After Father Cayetano Alvarez, Secular and Religious Order priests served in the little church which was soon outgrown.

In 1926, Father Peter C. Illigen built a new church at SW 4th and Bernice Streets and changed the name of the church to St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus. This well constructed church cost $7,000.00.

From the beginning of the church in Premont, the Canales family was instrumental in providing for its needs. Miss Tomasita Canales was in charge of the church maintenance, cleanliness and linens. She was assisted by the Peña and Garza families. Among the Parishioners that contributed to the activities of the church were: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Langen and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bertman. Both ladies played the organ for celebration. Mrs. Ivah Howell directed the choir and taught religion classes. Among other families that also helped were: Mr. and Mrs. Raul Tijerina, Hesiquio González, Mr. and Mrs. Calixto Salazar, Mr. and Mrs. Gartner, Mr. and Mrs. Luis González, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Canales, the Carrasco Family and the Schuchert Family. The descendants of these families continue to work faithfully for the Church. All this time, the Falfurrias Missions were served by Secular priests.

In 1931, the Dominican Order was assigned to Falfurrias. One of the well-remembered priests was Father Ignacio Blasquez. He helped organize the local Sociedád Católica Mutualista, a society founded by Father Juan Zavala from San Diego, Texas in 1934. The priests celebrated Mass in Premont once a week, continuing to travel, by car, from Falfurrias. Those priests did not speak much English. They were from Spain and the dominant language was Spanish.

In 1942, Oblates of Mary Immaculate Priests came to Falfurrias and witness many changes in the Premont Mission, both material and spiritual. People became more enthusiastic and active in Church's work. The priests formed women's organizations and the Catholic Youth Organization.

In 1945, Mr. Albino T. Canales bought a home in Mirando City and moved it to Premont. He had it restored for religion classes and church meetings. This was the first Parish house for the Church. Because they spoke both Spanish and English, the Oblates reached many people, and they inspired much enthusiasm in the community. During the time that Father Phillip Kennedy was the pastor in Falfurrias, church in Premont was outgrown again. There were many fund-raising projects to promote the construction of the new church.

To the delight of the people, St. Theresa became a Parish in 1958. On September 14,1958, Most Rev. Mariano S. Garriga, Bishop of Corpus Christi, assigned Rev. Damien J. Hayes as the first resident Pastor. Services continued in the old church until the need arose for a larger building. In March 1959, this church and rectory were moved to the corner of Albert and SE 3rd Streets, in preparation for the construction of the new church. The lots were donated by James Premont, son of Charles Premont. The new and present church was dedicated on December 9,1959. Father Alejandro Rojas assisted Father Hayes from 1969 to 1972.

The old church building was used for kindergarten and Catechism classes. The old rectory served as the home of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, a Secular Institute of consecrated women, who helped in the organization of Parish activities.

Concepcion, Ramírez and Rios became Missions of St. Theresa Parish in 1967. Rev. Alejandro Rojas of Spain served these Missions.

A Parish Hall was built adjacently to the church in 1969. This hall serves primarily as a Catechetical Center and also for Church's related meetings and social activities.

In 1972, The Most Rev. Thomas J. Drury, Bishop of Corpus Christi appointed Capuchin Fathers to serve both Parish and Missions. Father Peter Azcoitia served as pastor from 1972 until 1981. He was followed by Rev. Francis Abarzuza in 1981-1987. Father Gregorio Goicochea assisted in the missions from 1973 to 1987. Father Jesus Mendoza and Father Jesse Torre served from 1987 to 1988.

In 1988, Bishop Rene H. Gracida released the Capuchin Fathers from their commitment at St. Theresa in Premont, and installed a diocesan priest, Fr. Wojciech Kosowicz, as administrator. His associates were Father Bruno Mikolajczyk 1988 to 1990, Father Zenon Konowalek 1990 to 1994, and Father Chris Bauta arrived in 1990 for a short stay.

Father Andres Ekomo served from 1994 to 1995. He was replaced by Father Jose A. Almazan in 1995.

The year 2000, welcomed Father John Ouellette and Father Banda Showry.

May God be praised.

Priests from Sacred Heart Church in Falfurrias who assisted in Premont since St. Theresa's Church was a mission were: Rev. Matthew J. Stephan, Rev. Thomas J. Weelar, Rev. Joseph Buckley, Rev. Ed Boren, Rev. Bernard Junius, Rev. Javier Francisco, Rev. James Pfeifer OMI, Rev Charles Banks OMI, Rev. Don Stavinohy OMI, Rev. George Julian OMI, Rev. Pascuale Lanase OMI, Rev. Edward Blown OMI, Rev. Valentin Rodriguez OMI, Rev. John Gerard Castro OMI, Rev. Albert A. Fecci OMI, Rev. Raymond Pomaville OMI, Rev. E. Manuel Ballard OMI, Rev. Jerry Meaguer OMI, Rev. Alexander McNamara OMI, Rev. Pat Guidon OMI, and Rev. Phillip Kennedy OMI.

Priests who have assisted in St. Theresa's Church since 1958 were: Rev. Fr. W. Grant OMI, Rev. Fr. John Ofic OMI, Rev. Fr. Mark Bergen OSB, Rev. Fr. Alfred Hoening OSB, Rev. Fr. Blaise Baltz OSB, Rev. Fr. Boniface Buergler OSB, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Schod OSB, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Branz OSB, Rev. Fr. John Ryan, Rev. Fr. Luke Buergler OSB, Rev. Fr. Faustino Croatto OFM, Rev. Fr. Angel Perez OFM, Rev. Fr. Jose Maria Sabala OFM, Rev. Fr. Jerome Lecumberri OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Arturo Molina OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Juan Cruz Gaston OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Pedro Montes Rodriguez, Rev. Fr. Frances Stodola, Rev. Fr. Henry Slawinski, Rev. Fr. Augustin Linbeck OSB, Rev. Fr. Luis Iglesias, Rev. Fr. Edward Kircher, Rev. Fr. Frank Martinez, Rev. Fr. Bruce Lincon, Rev. Fr. Jerome Zurovetz, and Rev. Fr. John Feminelly.

Rev. Deacon Raul Hinojosa of Premont, Texas was ordained as a Deacon in October 15, 1994 and has served our Parish with love and dedication.