No one seems to remember just when the idea surfaced but Catholics living in and near Magnolia, Texas had been discussing the need for years. Most were traveling south to St. Anne's in Tomball to worship while a few families living north of town were making the long drive to St. Mary's in Plantersville.

It was around 1972 when Bob and Carolyn Foster, longtime residents and former owners of The Potpourri newspaper discussed the possibility with Father Anthony Stredny who was then pastor at St. Mary's. Although not at all optimistic, Fr. Stredny did map out the strategy for petitioning the diocese for a new parish in Magnolia.

Carolyn Foster began by contacting a few fellow Catholics and together talked to all of the Catholic families living in the area. Within a few short weeks they had accumulated over 225 signatures on a petition that was later drafted and sent to the diocese. To everyone's surprise the diocese responded within two weeks. Magnolia had a parish if land could be purchased at a reasonable price.

It was known as the Brown Ranch and the site was perfect for a new church. Unfortunately, Pat Brown, then the principal of Magnolia High School, had no interest in selling. Bob Foster who owned God's Country Realty was persistent. He called Father Stredny and told him of his dilemma. "Don't worry," Father Stredny said, "I have a plan!"

Later that same night, while on his way to have dinner with the Fosters, Father Stredny stopped at the site and without being seen buried a medal of Our Blessed Mother just inside the property. The very next day Pat Brown called Bob and expressed his desire to finally sell. A statue of Our Blessed Mother was soon erected and to this day marks the spot where the medal was buried.

Father Anthony Stredny was named first pastor of St. Matthias the Apostle and the first Catholic Mass ever to be celebrated in Magnolia was in the community building behind the old city hall building.

There was an old two-story house along with a few out buildings on the property acquired for the new church facility but within one year, August 28 to be exact; ground was broken for the first phase of construction. The first Mass celebrated in the new facility was Easter Sunday 1979. The new church was dedicated on May 19 of that same year. That church is now our fellowship hall and the bazaar kitchen is one of the original out buildings.

The old homestead that once stood where our church now stands was occupied by several pastors until it was decided that the cost of electricity necessary to heat and cool the old place was better spent on a modern home for our pastor.

Our present church was dedicated in December, 1989.

In 2000 we added the classrooms and administration area. The fellowship hall was renovated plus more parking areas were created.

As the community grows, we pray to continue to grow in God's graces.