The Painted Churches In Texas…
My Foto Friends decided it was time for another exploring day trip!
We drove in a caravan to Schulenburg, Texas. We had heard SOO much about the historic “Painted Churches,” we had to see them for our selves.
There are more than 20 “Painted Churches” in Texas! Who knew?!
Our tour guide showed us four of them in the Schulenburg area. It was more than enough. Pretty mind blowing actually. You hardly could take it all in.
So the story goes, many Czech and German settlers came to Texas in the mid-1800s looking for economic opportunity and religious freedom.
Most of these men and women worked hard to establish themselves and to develop communities similar to their hometowns. A main component of what they wanted to recreate was a strong place to worship.
The painted churches were often the second or third church building these communities erected. The churches embody the aspirations of immigrant communities that had reached a certain maturity.
The churches became a symbol of success for these new Texans who had survived the transition from the homeland, acquired the much-sought-after land, built schools for their children, and finally, established beautiful churches to nurture their spirits and sustain their faith.
I found myself just sitting in the pews, gazing at the work of these amazing immigrants with their artwork.
Looking at the Gothic revival style construction and the Victorian features was just amazing.
After touring the first church, I walked outside and found this amazing cementary. I loved how the entrance, framed Jesus on the cross.
The churches represented both the Protestant and Catholic faith.
The robin blue color on the dome ceiling was my favorite, with the gold metallic stars.
Isn’t this cross precious out in front of this church?
Here you can see a couple of the Foto Friends, just trying to absorb the beauty.
Now for a great ending…I was ever so fortunate to be selected to ride in Sharon’s vehicle.
Why you might ask? Well, let me tell you! After we get into her SUV, she turns around and casually says, “Oh by the way, those seats recline and the foot rest comes up!”
“WHAT?????? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I reply.”
“No, she says.”
So not only did I have the most delightful day visiting these magnificent churches, but let me tell you the ride home was heaven sent!
On a side note, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART for all the heart warming wishes you sent to me and my family on the birth of Ahnalise Grace. She is SO precious and I feel very blessed.
Laurie
XXOO
Pride in Photos 
I especially love the ornate statues and stained glass of the old churches, along with the simplicity of the humble crosses outside some churches. Very beautiful.
They were stunning…you really couldn’t capture their beauty.
Hi Laurie! Wow! Texas doesn’t play when it comes to their churches. Gorgeous photos! I’m glad you enjoyed the day and had a relaxing ride back. 😀
WOW – I cannot believe these churches are in Texas!!!! They are breathtaking. Great photographs, too!
I know them… as I lived in Houston, TX for 5 years! 🙂 I was very surprised to meet lots of Texans with Czech ancestors…
They are really very pretty and special, Laurie. Does that mean, your other churches, the non quite so historical ones, are not painted? The churches in Norway differs very much to the ones Germany, to the ones in England. Doing photographic excursions like this is a wonderful idea. I’d love to be a member of your exclusive little group. Well virtually I’m, so thank you very much for this kind invitation! ❤ 🙂
Aren’t those the most beautiful Churches. We spent 2 days in Schulenburg and toured these Churches. I was totally shocked when we stepped into the first church. The bad news was I didn’t bring my Big Girl Camera. I was Totally bummed. We didn’t have time to go back to get it. Your photos look amazing. Im happy to see that you had your Big Girl Camera. LOL
Hugs~
Very beautiful photographs and you pick a very charming church 🙂
WOW! Imagine the work that went into these painted churches and the joy they brought afterwards.
Incredible!
I always enjoy visiting churches when in a new area… it can tell you a lot about the place. The images are wonderful.
We enjoy going into churches when travelling … and these are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Ohhhh! Late to the party again, Laurie! Belated but very sincere congratulations on your new little one. My, what fun you’ll be having now! 🙂
Fabulous church paintings too but they paled into insignificance beside the baby 🙂
Fantastic photos of this glorious Texas ‘painted church”, and we have 20, Wow! Thank you for the fabulous tour. Sharon’s SUV, how cool! 🙂
beautiful architecture and great shots!
Absolutely stunning.
Wow – gorgeous interiors and what a charming church. Such lovely shots.
Unlike the old stone churches these painted churches are bright and cozy from outside and inside. In that kind of churches people do not feel pressure of the huge Stone and do not feel themselves like an Ant in the World. Beautiful painting and your pictures.
Very beautiful photos and very interesting post, thanks for sharing 🙂 Wanda
Beautiful and great pictures!
These are GORGEOUS! Wow!
These churches are beautiful, Laurie.
Wow, such beautiful churches and just love the art work they created. You captured it so well!!!
How gorgeous and breathtaking!
Laurie, what a wonderful excursion. The churches are stunning! Thanks so much for sharing.
What a delightful post, thank you for bringing these to our attention! I agree with YellowCable, I would never have guessed from the outer appearance of these churches that such stunning works existed inside.
Gorgeous!
I can image that it was hard to really take in the beauty of these churches. Such amazing artists. Thanks for taking us with you on your adventure…
Amazingly beautiful paintings inside these churches. It is hard to imagine such from looking at the churches from the outside.
Beautiful series of photos, thank you so much for sharing.
Wow those churches are fantastic! What a fun photography trip!! Hugz Lisa and Bear
The artwork in these churches is stunning Laurie and reminiscent of the European churches. Thank you for sharing these photos with us.