COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY OF GOLIAD

 

Painted Church of Schulenburg

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

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   St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

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Sts Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church

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   St. Mary's Church - Praha

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The Painted Churches of Schulenburg

May 20, 2006 - Some are towering brick churches settled along winding country roads. Others are more typical of a farming community church. But they are all adorned with exquisite paintings that line the walls and roof showing the talent of the early founders.

The morning-long tour through the Schulenburg area takes visitors through the four Painted Churches symbolic of the area’s rich Czech and German heritage. Every visitor could see something different in each of the churches. Some will notice the hand-carved statues that line the altar while others will stand in awe of the intricate detailing of the angels floating above.

Most have been preserved through the years amazingly with the original paint still on the walls. Others, though, had had some work. One was repainted because the congregation years ago painted over the gold stars of the ceiling.

Story goes that one boy was sitting quietly in church on cool morning at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church when something on the ceiling caught his eye. He nudged his father and in the soft voice of child whispered, “Daddy, there are angels on the ceiling.”

It was with those innocent words that the congregation began the work of returning the church to its previous appearance. Each of the stars that line the ceiling is 14-karat gold.

For those wanting historical information, the following comes from the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce.

“St. John the Baptist Church in Ammannsville was originally dedicated in 1890. In 1909, the church was destroyed by a storm. The parishioners rebuilt the church, but eight years after completion it was destroyed by a fire. The fire was so intense it burned the church to its foundation and the bell inside was melted. Parishioners did manage to save several of the statues. These statues can be found inside the present church, which has been standing since 1917.

“Dubina has had a parish church since 1877. The church was enlarged in 1890 and then later destroyed by a tropical storm in 1909. The parishioners decided to rebuild that same year, and the current church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius was completed in 1912. In 1952, the church’s many beautiful artworks were covered over by paint but have since been restored to their former beauty.
“The present-day St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill is the third church built on the original nine acres deeded to the church in 1868. It is a classic example of the Gothic  

Revival style with its beautiful artwork and stained glass windows. It should not be missed.

“St. Mary’s Parish in Praha was established in 1855. In 1895, the present church was built and dedicated as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This church was built from native stone brought by oxen from a nearby village. The artwork was done by a Swiss artist and remains in its original condition. This church has stood unchanged for over 100 years.”

Those who wish to book a tour should go to www.schulenburgchurches.org.

 

 

 

For information on purchasing any of the photos seen in this gallery, copy the purchase number below the photo and send an email to collinsphoto@sbcglobal.net. Most prints will run $30 for 8x10 or 11x14 on glossy paper. A matte finish will run an additional fee. Check back often for additions to this gallery.

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