In the years of 1874-75, there were several Catholic families that were living in Cuero and had to travel to Meyersville to attend church. In 1875 the Cuero Land and Immigration Company donated land to the Roman Catholics for the construction of a church. By decree from The Most Rev. Anthony Dominic Ambrose Pellicer, first Bishop of San Antonio, St. Michael’s Catholic Church was erected as a parish in Cuero.

Rev. V. L. Manci, S.J. was the first resident pastor of St. Michael. He assisted and guided the founding members in building the initial church. The first church was a small wooden frame structure completed in 1876. The church was dedicated in memory of Michael O’Brien, whose widow remained one of the most generous and active of the founding members.

Baptismal records date back as early as 1875, while marriage records date back to 1876, and confirmation and funerals go back to as early as 1881.
The original church quickly became inadequate in size, and after only 10 years, in 1886 it was decided to erect a larger church. The foundation of a second church was quickly laid, but difficulties arose and completion was not achieved until 1892. The second church was a white brick structure molded in a Gothic style architecture. The bell tower, however, was not completed until 1902, with a one-thousand-pound bell being set in place.

Rev. J. Sheehan was pastor during the dedication of the new church. The frame of the original church was sold to what was the second Baptist Church of Cuero, now known as the Macedonia Baptist Church. The sanctuary of the old church still stands today, located on Indianola Street.

In 1924, once again, it was decided that the white brick church had become too small for the congregation. It was beginning to show signs of decay, so rather than repairing the existing building, it was decided to build a larger church. The last Mass celebrated in the old white brick church was on April 25, 1930. Following this date, until completion of the new church, services were held in St. Michael’s Hall above the school across the street.

The third, and current, church building was completed in 1931, with Father F. Pallanche as resident pastor. The current church is faced with tapestry brick, backed with common brick, built along the Romanesque architecture. The trimming and belfry are of tamped artificial stone.

Many elements from the white brick church were persevered. The side altars, the marble communion rails, the pulpit, Stations of the Cross, and the one-thousand-pound bell were moved to the new St. Michael’s Church upon completion.
Father Pallanche died at the age of 46 in July of 1932. The St. Michael’s church stands today as a memorial to his untiring efforts and inspiration. He was buried in the sanctuary of the church.

In 1966, following the Second Vatican Council, the sanctuary of the church was remodeled. The old altars were removed and three marble altars installed. The church and all the parish buildings were air-conditioned at this time. In 1973, further renovations were made to the narthex of the church. A cry-room was installed and other efforts were made to modernize the church. The interior of the St. Michael’s Church was renovated in 2002. 

In 2007 the original St. Michael’s rectory was torn down and the priest’s residence was relocated to the rectory of Our Lady of Guadalupe rectory. Following the removal of the old rectory, a new office building was built adjacent to the parish hall.

In 2016-2017 a replica of the main high altar was placed in the sanctuary. The sanctuary was also freshly painted to match the beautiful new high altar, and a larger pulpit was put in place with the image of the Good Shephard on the front.