Priests from La Lomita Chapel in nearby Mission ministered to Catholics at McAllen from 1908 until 1911, when a mission was begun here and a wood frame chapel was built. The congregation remained under the guidance of the Rev. J. M. F. Guenneugues, O. M. I. , of Mission until 1915, when the Rev. Francis A. Dupassieux, O. M. I. , came to the McAllen Chapel. By 1917 a school and rectory were added and Sacred Heart became an independent parish. Sacred Heart parish has served as "Mother Church" to many missions in central Hidalgo County.