GOD & TEXAS: Casa Reales

For Sale: 280 year-old courthouse in downtown San Antonio!

According to an advertisement published by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty on December 24, 2024, the former Casa Reales is available for the discerning buyer. This historic landmark served as the seat of government in the Alamo city for over one hundred years.

Also known as the Council House, the Casa Reales was bult in the 1730’s on the main plaza, across from the village church, now known as the San Fernando Cathedral. Surrounded by commercial industry, the church and the courthouse were the center of community life. Side by side, the halls of justice and the assembly of God’s people stood united for truth and liberty.

As one of the oldest surviving buildings in San Antonio, it was the venue of several historical events including the 1840 Council House Fight between Republic of Texas soldiers and a delegation of Comanche Chiefs. In 1842, Mexican General Adrian Woll invaded San Antonio with about 1500 troops. While court was in session in Casa Reales, Woll captured the District Court judge, several lawyers, and scores of prominent businessmen.

The State of Texas has 254 counties, each with a courthouse that serves as the principal location for county government. These majestic buildings were often constructed with costly materials and ornate embellishments to instill pride in the community, and to attract new businesses and residents.

In the early days of Texas, the courthouse grounds hosted patriotic gatherings and holiday festivities that created a sense of unity in community. Even though land prices were usually more expensive nearer the courthouse, businesses wanted to be nearby.

Texas churches and county courthouses have often worked together. In Navarro County in 1846, the windowless and floorless log courthouse also served as a church. In Grimes County in 1849, the court met in the Methodist church for a time. In Grayson County in 1859, the first brick courthouse was used for several activities including preaching the Gospel.

For two years, beginning in 1875, Denton County court was held in a local church. In the late 1900’s, Floyd and Carson Counties, displayed the community Christmas Tree annually. At the same time, Briscoe County hosted several churches in their building, as well as an interdenominational Sunday School. In 1928, the Gray County courthouse convened in the basement of the First Baptist church of Pampa until the new courthouse was completed.

Because Texans love God and their state, many county court sessions open with prayer. While this has been generally well received, one major lawsuit against prayer in courts was recently defeated. In 2022, the Fifth Circuit held that a Texas judge’s courtroom prayer did not violate the Establishment Clause.

Historically, Texans have favored a close connection between their government and God. Romans 13:1 (ESV) states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” May we actively pray for our governmental leaders.

For more inspirational reading please visit www.davidroseministries.com

To purchase the historical non-fiction book GOD and TEXAS by David G. Rose please visit www.amazon.com