5 Painted Churches of Texas Tour
I’m always dreaming of our next vacation but often over look how many treasures are right here in Texas! The painted churches have been on my list for some time and a beautiful January Saturday turned out to be the perfect time for a little day trip. Jordan and I headed out early and after celebrating with family at a baby shower took off to visit 5 of the painted churches in Texas.
The painted churches date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s when the Czech and German immigrants settled with their families in Texas and desired religious freedom. They built churches that were unassuming from the outside but held magnificent interiors fashioned after the chruches they remembered from home. While there are more than 5 painted churches in Texas, we chose these 5 painted churches in close enough proximity to home for a day trip.
The Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce offers guided tours but the churches are all open Monday – Saturday from 9am – 4pm. The churches are all still active and do hold mass so respecting events you encounter is definitely encouraged.
The furthest church from College Station was St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas near Flatonia and we chose to start our painted churches tour here. The present stone church was completed in November 1895 and has since undergone many phases of renovations and restorations.
While the walls have been repainted, the hand painted ceiling was left intact. The floors were covered with carpet and tile at one time but have been restored to the original wood. Also restored are the pews. A little tie back to our hometown, the stained glass windows have received restoration by Foster Stained Glass which is located in Bryan, Texas!
The antique chandelier dates back to the 1800s and was made in the former Czechoslovakia. It has of course been updated and refurbished with electric bulbs and it is so beautiful.
Next up was St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill near Schulenburg. The current church was constructed in 1906 and painted in 1912 and is known as the “Queen of the painted churches”. The stained glass was all donated by families in the parish and was initially installed in the first church in 1876 but moved into this church. The St. Mary’s parish played a significant role in the development of the German and Catholic heritage of Texas.
We tried to stop for a quick snack in Schulenburg at Momma’s at Sengelmann hall but they do not open until 3pm on Saturdays. It came recommended so I hate that we missed it! Make sure to add to your list for a dining option.
Up next is Sts. Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church in Dubina, Texas. This church was open and we walked right in but I have since read that this church is only accessiible with a tour guide. I would definitely still suggest a stop as it is not out of the way.
Every one of these churches offerred something unique and different and this church is so light and bright wiith gold stars covering the ceiling. Originally built and painted ini 1909, in the 1950s the artwork was painted over. Can you imagine? As people began to notice the original art fading through the paint, the community came together and using stencils found in the church began to recreate the paintings.
Up the road a bit in Ammansville near La Grange, stands St. John the Baptist Catholic Church often referred to as the pink church and you can see why. This church was originally built in 1890 but destroyed by a hurricane in 1909 before being rebuilt only to burn a short time later. Once again it was rebult in 1918 and painted in 1919.
Finally, the last church we visited was St. Pauls Lutheran in Serbin just outside Giddings. The blue truly popped against the white and I loved the design on all the columns. As we turned around and saw the organ in the back of othe church I’m positive I gasped with excitement. The pulpit in this church is said to be the tallest in Texas as it stands 20 feet high. This church was built in 1870 and painted in 1906 and 1936. What I found really interesting is that the community came together to paint this one instead of hiring an official artist. This church had a loft with more seating than any of the other churches we visited and it was interesting to find out at one time the men sat upstairs while the women and children sat below util the time of World War II.
We had such a lovely day viewing the churches and chatting endlessly on our drives in between. Time with my girl is always so special. Our drive home from the last church was only 45 minutes so it was a really easy day trip. This is definitely and easy day trip from the Houston or Austin area as well and I definitely think it’s worth it.
Are you adding the 5 Texas painted churches tour to your list of things to do on a Texas weekend? I’m definitely looking forward to viewing more of the Texas painted churches located in other parts of the state.
