Our Council's Namesake
Rev. Msgr.
Anton J. Frank
Reverend Monsignor Anton Frank was a native of Houston, born October 13 1907, the youngest of seven children to his mother and father, Anton Joseph Frank and Viola Louise Drew. Msgr. Frank’s father was a gentle man, loved music, and owned a small machine shop in Houston. His grandfather and great-grandfather were also native Houstonians and proud Catholics. For more on the Frank family ancestry, read Rev. Msgr. Frank’s biography of his father.
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Msgr. Anton Frank attended St. Patrick’s School and then St. Thomas High School where upon his graduation in 1926, he entered St. Mary’s Seminary in La Porte, Texas. His ordination took place in Annunciation Catholic Church in downtown Houston, of which his paternal great-grandparents were founders and in which his paternal grandparents and his parents were married. Immediately after his ordination on May 25, 1933, he was appointed assistant pastor of Annunciation. He became pastor on October 4, 1943.
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Msgr. Frank served as Moderator of the Houston District Youth Organization; Diocesan Consultor; member of Texas Knights of Columbus Historical Commission (assisted in completing the monumental seven-volume “Our Catholic Heritage in Texas”); member of the Texas Centennial of Statehood Commission; researcher for “The Part of Catholic Texans in the War Between the States” Centennial Exhibit.
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Msgr Frank was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Council Boy Scouts of America; made a Knight of San Jacinto by the Sons of the Republic of Texas and honorary chaplain of the revived Texas Navy by Governor Price Daniel. The Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution awarded him the Silver Good Citizenship Medal and the Patriots Medal. On recommendation of Bishops Nold and Morkovsky, Pope Paul VI made him a member of the Papal Household, with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor on December 1, 1965.
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On February 13, 1975, Msgr. Frank was inducted into the Hall of Honor of St. Thomas High School.
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Right Reverend Anton Frank died November 17, 1982, just weeks after his 82nd birthday. Msgr. Frank shall forever be remembered as his memory and spirit enriches us all in Council 8771 and beyond.