The Pleasanton Express Online Edition

Current Weather

Complete Forecast

Lotto Results

Online Poll

Hundreds attend Esparza Family Reunion
., . - Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The elders of the Esparza family took turns ringing the San Augustine bell. Left to right are: front row- Gumecinda Casarez Garcia, Maria Cruz, Esparza Garza, Matilde Rodriguez Castillo, Ana Rodriguez Uribe, Irene Huizar Porter, Mencho Casarez and Consuelo Valdez Lopez; back row- David Esparza, Joe Huizar and Socorro Morales.

	Email story to a friend
	Printer friendly version

Over 800 descendants gathered at the Atascosa River Park on Saturday, July 10, 2010, for the Gregorio and Ana Esparza Family Reunion. Fulfilling the dream of reunion Coordinator Benny Garza and his hardworking committee members, the event was declared a success, bringing in family members from all over the United States, Canada and as faraway as Israel.
The 2010 Esparza Family Reunion focused on the lives and accomplishments of the Alamo survivors after The Battle of The Alamo, with a special emphasis on the San Augustine Church and school.
As a small child Enrique Esparza was in the Alamo during the siege by Santa Anna’s army, his father Gregorio was killed during the battle, fighting for Texas Independence. Later, Enrique made his home in Atascosa County and the San Augustine Settlement (between current day FM 3006 and I-37) and he and his wife Gertrudes Hernandez-Esparza deeded 5 acres to build the San Augustine Catholic Church and School.
The San Augustine Catholic Church was built in 1869 and was the first Catholic Church in Atascosa County. The Esparza’s and the San Augustine community supported the Church and would transport priests from San Antonio for mass and celebratory ceremonies. When the bishop came for confirmation there was great excitement at San Augustine. The men of the parish rode horseback in good or bad weather for several miles to meet him. The feast of St. Isidor, held on March 15 was observed every year because St. Isidor is the patron saint of crops, farmers and farming . The orchards and planted fields were blessed and after the ceremony there was dancing and fun. The Christmas pageant of Las Pastorelas was also an important part of the San Augustine worship. The dialogue handed down from generation to generation. San Augustine Church served the people of Atascosa County for many years, with the last service being held in 1940.
The San Augustine School was built soon after the Catholic Church and provided educational services to the community as well as the Esparza children. Catholic nuns taught at the school from the 1880s until 1917. The building continued to serve the community until the 1950s when it joined the Leming schools.
The history filled reunion began with the invocation by descendant, Brother Joe Esparza, of California, Pleasanton Mayor Bill Carroll and Atascosa County Judge Diana Bautista welcomed the guests and State Representative District 35 Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles read and presented the Proclamation from the State of Texas.
A reenactment of the priest being transported by horse and buggy to the church was presented with Father Gilberto Vallejo portraying the priest.
Following the reenactment, John Peche read an original diary account of life during the San Augustine era from the historic Peche Journals.
A highlight of the ceremonial program was the “Ringing of the Bell” by the elder family members, who still remember the San Augustine Church bell of their childhood. The bell announced Mass, births and death, each event recognized by a special signal and tone. The Longhorn Museum provided the original bell for the ceremony.

Father Gilberto Vallejo, who portrayed the priest in the wagon, also gave the Blessing to officially begin the celebrations.

Throughout the day, families were able to trace their family line through the extensive family tree, view historic pictures and miniature building replicas provided by the reunion committee. Also set up for all to enjoy were historical living demonstrations presented by Bob Benavides and the San Antonio Living History Association. In addition, the busy day included a barbecue lunch, games for the children, a magician, DJ music, a hamburger and hot dog dinner and live music for dancing. The family members gathered for a panoramic picture for memories and historic documentation.

Overall, the 2010 Gregorio and Ana Esparza Family Reunion provided a beautiful historic backdrop for relatives to reunite with loved ones and pay tribute to the sacrifices and accomplishments of the Esparza family.