Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Hornsby Bend, Travis County, Texas, was built as a response to the spiritual needs of a predominantly Hispanic/Mexican American farming and ranching community, who were initially evangelized by missionaries traveling from Galveston in the 1940s.

The inspiration to build the church originated from a dream experienced by Guadalupe (Lupe) Martinez in 1982, in which her late father, Simon Gonzales, urged her to establish a house of worship.

This dream led to the formation of the Hornsby Bend Catholic Community (HBCC) in the late 1980s, where families began gathering for prayers and sacraments in the homes of Candelaria Gonzales and Joe and Dora Arellano, enduring challenging conditions in unheated and uncooled garages for over 13 years.

Recognizing the community’s dedication, Bishop John McCarthy encouraged Neil and Barbara Hanson, who attended one of these garage masses, to support the community.
The Hansons generously donated 20 acres of land, and in appreciation, the church was named Santa Barbara in honor of their contributions, particularly that of Mrs. Hanson.
Significant milestones include the first community meeting in 1988, the first mass in the new church in 1996, and the groundbreaking for a larger church in 2021 to accommodate the growing congregation.

Throughout its history, Santa Barbara Catholic Church has embodied the resilience and unity of its members, driven by a shared vision to create a dedicated space for worship, guided by the spirit of love and the desire to nurture faith within their community.