Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Hornsby Bend, Travis County, Texas, was built to meet the spiritual needs of a predominantly Hispanic and Mexican American farming and ranching community, first evangelized by missionaries from Galveston in the 1940s.

The inspiration to build the church came from a dream Guadalupe (Lupe) Martinez had in 1982, where 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. Families began gathering for prayers and sacraments in the homes of Candelaria Gonzales and Joe and Dora Arellano, enduring unheated and uncooled garages for over 13 years.

In 1988, the first community meeting was held, solidifying their efforts to grow as a faith community.

Recognizing the community’s dedication, Bishop John McCarthy encouraged Neil and Barbara Hanson, who had attended one of these garage Masses, to support the congregation.

In a generous act, the Hansons donated 20 acres of land, and in appreciation, the church was named Santa Barbara, honoring their contributions, especially those of Mrs. Hanson.

In 1996, the community celebrated the first Mass in what would later be known as the "Old Temple."

As the congregation grew, construction for a larger church began in 2021 to provide space for the increasing number of parishioners.

Throughout its history, Santa Barbara Catholic Church has reflected the resilience and unity of its members, driven by a shared vision to create a dedicated space for worship.

Guided by love and a deep desire to nurture faith, the community has built a legacy of devotion and perseverance.