“When the Czech and German immigrants who founded the town [of Schulenburg] first came to Texas, they found themselves missing the comforts of home and went about building churches to bring the old world to Texas. The result was the creation of some of the most beautiful churches in the nation, full of stained glass and elaborate paintings.”
(From “Historic Painted Churches of the Texas Hill Country”)
Schulenburg, Texas is located “Halfway to Everywhere” – or, more accurately, half way between Houston and San Antonio via Interstate 10.
This friendly rural community, located in the rolling hills of Fayette County, was settled by German and Czech emigrants in the early 1800s. With a population of fewer than 3,000 residents, you might think Schulenburg is just a quick “pit stop” on the way to somewhere else.
But if you can spend the day, you should take a tour of the famous Painted Churches of Schulenburg. You’ll be glad you did!
A Few Church Details
There are six Painted Churches in the Schulenburg area. All are active churches, and can be visited as an independent tourist any day except Sunday.
However, the local Chamber of Commerce offers daily tours Monday through Saturday year-round. The cost of the tour includes a knowledgeable guide who will share the interesting history of each church. And since the churches are located throughout the countryside, the guide is a valuable living GPS! In addition, a portion of the tour fee is donated to the churches.
Church etiquette is required as you visit each church: No food, pets, smoking, etc. Close doors behind you. Look but don’t touch the art, sculptures, stained glass, etc.
And, most importantly, each of the Painted Churches is handicap accessible!
Take A Peak Inside
Here is a brief look at each of these six churches, along with a little description. On the outside, each looks like a simple country church. But when you open the church door … Wow!
As noted in an article by Texas Hill Country:
“The insides of these magnificent churches are layered with hours of painstaking labor by hand stenciling, infill, freehand, marbling, staining and graining.
They are adorned with masterful paintings, shimmering stained glass, charming murals, and gold-encrusted altars.”
St. John the Baptist German Catholic Church – St. John, TX
I found very little information online regarding this church and, alas, I was busy photographing the interior rather than listening to our tour guide speak of its history. Oops.
Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church – Dubina, TX
Early Czech settlers first built this church in 1877; it was destroyed by a hurricane in July of 1909. Fueled by their deep and unwavering faith in God, the community raised over $5,500 in order to rebuild the church.
Note: Because the windows in this church are not stained glass, they allow a great deal of natural light in to enhance the sky-blue ceiling and ornate paintings inside the church.
St. John the Baptist Czech Catholic Church – Ammannsville, TX
Also known as the “pink church,” the current version is the third church built on this site. The first was destroyed by a hurricane in July 1909, and eight years later the second church was destroyed by fire. Undeterred, the Ammannsville community rebuilt this beautiful church in 1919.
(Third time’s the charm!)
Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church – Moravia, TX
Built in 1912, this white wood-frame church is built in the shape of a cross. Inside, the ceiling behind the altar depicts the ascension of Jesus amid angels; statues of saints are found throughout.
(Note: This church is generally locked; a Chamber of Commerce tour guide has a key.)
St. Mary Roman Catholic Church – High Hill, TX
Located in the High Hill area of Schulenburg, and rich in German-Czech heritage, St. Mary was built in 1906. The red brick exterior, built in Gothic Revival style, is notably resistant to fire and hurricanes. This protects the beautiful wooden interior, painted in 1912.
With its ornate design, paintings and stained-glass windows, St. Mary is known as the Queen of the Painted Churches.
St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption – Praha, TX
Built in 1895 by the local Czech community (Praha means “Prague”), St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption is one of the oldest painted churches.
Worth The Visit!
While I think these photos are quite good, they don’t really do justice to the beauty found within the churches. To get the full awe-inspiring impact, you really should travel to Schulenburg and take the Painted Churches tour.
Photography
All photos by Jeri Murphy Photography, are copyrighted and may not be used without express written permission.
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