The Church of St. Mary’s Nativity
The “Painted Churches of Texas” inspire renewed interest in faith-based activities. We feature a stretched and painted church as it outgrew its building, yet maintained its original integrity.
If you live around Houston, you may know about “The Painted Churches of Texas.” They are restored churches from the 1800s with paintings, statues, choir lofts with pipe organs and antiques. Many stunning restored churches, both brick or wood, exist throughout Texas and other states. The best known 20 are near Schulenburg, Texas. Artists painted the churches in this area as they appeared long ago for the German, Polish, and Czech areas of Europe, when they arrived.
Today’s story features a lesser known “painted church” with a story in culture and cooperation. Our featured Church of St. Mary’s Nativity, commonly called St. Mary’s Catholic Church, is not listed near Schulenburg where the better known “Painted Churches of Texas” offer tours.
On a ride in the countryside one Saturday afternoon, we discovered this exquisite painted church, a little closer to our home than Schulenburg, and arrived a day before their annual bazaar. The sun shone on busy people rushing to assemble their “country store,” arrange items for the silent auction, and ready the large cooker for the crowds arriving the next day.
When Father Ed Kucera, Pastor of St. Mary’s, says “Praise the Lord,” the parishioners respond, “Praise the Lord,” creating a sense of community. The town of Plantersville boasted a population of 431 in 2019, yet the church register shows 1300 families belong to this parish, near Navasota, Texas. If each family numbers four, that’s 5200 people. The loyal parishioners attend and take part in this congregation. How do they accomplish this in today’s atmosphere?
This St. Mary’s is about 100 miles northeast of Schulenburg. The church is located near Highway 105, a short distance north on Highway 1774. Their members volunteer and support the efforts that create this scenic venue.
With so many churches losing members today, how does this church manage to maintain and grow its flock? Today’s churches attract an healthy number of gray-haired seniors, yet need younger families.
Many churches around Texas provide festivals and bazaars. They might celebrate with kolaches or sausage or a Saint’s Day. If they offer something to eat and drink, the communities respond. Dancing and games are an added plus. People rejoice in seeing their friends.
Clouds above the Altar
According to Bill Jones, the parish Administrator, “Father Ed is the driving force at St. Mary’s. He’s motivational, kind, and a blessing in the community, where many activities help others, and we socialize. Our gathering room is full between Masses, which helps build and maintain our sense of community. Our folks don’t just come to church and go home.”
Germans and Polish-Russians started the Church of the St. Mary’s Nativity in 1873, and founded it in 1894. Unfortunately, lightning destroyed it, but it was rebuilt in 1921. They shortened the steeple to avoid future strikes.
When restoration began at this St. Mary’s, stencils and messages in German were discovered. The intricate lettering was covered during World War II, as Germans were not well-trusted. The artist, Donell Hill, scraped and scraped to allow us to see the beauty of the messages left to honor the Savior. Donell completed the spectacular artistry.
Stained Glass Windows and Detailed Stations of the Cross
St. Mary’s of Plantersville is well-known for stretching their church as they grew, because they ran out of space. The members did not want to transfer to another church: baptisms, marriages, and grandparents laid to rest in the nearby cemetery helped them maintain their roots. Someone suggested they needed to stretch the church for their burgeoning parish. They did it!
They cut the church in the middle and moved the rear half thirty-three feet farther back. Then they built the roof over the front, middle and altar. The integrity of the church remained. It almost sounds like a fairy tale, but I saw the photos. I heard the story from the Pastor’s lips. No one would ever guess that some pews are not antiques. It blends. They accomplished this feat together. The restoration is a work of art and cooperative efforts.
Parishioners of the church adorned it with glorious artifacts, such as statues of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Joseph and Baby Jesus, St. Anne, and other items. They continue to use the Processional Staff made with a wooden pole and brass Crucifix from the 1860s at every Mass. Gifts from others include personal heirlooms, and offerings from their homelands.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help with Candles to Light
St. Mary’s has fun for all ages. Their annual bazaar may attract 5000 people. The youth assist with strong arms and hands. The men cook the bar-b-que, not only for the bazaar, but when they celebrate other events. Their weddings are far more lavish than standing in front of a judge. Children grow up in the church with fond memories, not boring recitations, but meaningful friendships and learning experiences.
Many people stay for their entire lives. The ladies’ groups are always busy: visiting new mom’s and babies, collecting items for St. Vincent de Paul Thrift, and knitting blankets to comfort the homebound.
I don’t know of any other church that keeps beverages cool at parties in a beat-up wooden coffin lined with plastic. They play old-fashioned games like horseshoes and may have a petting zoo. A wry sense of humor and fun abound.
Their members are proud of their bathrooms. The church had no bathrooms for a long time. When anyone felt an urge, the walk (or run) was quite a distance to the meeting house. The leaders understand the importance of comfort and beauty.
Saint Joseph’s Mission
Less than six miles away stands another smaller, less elaborate church, St. Joseph’s Mission, which was built by St. Mary’s Polish parishioners. They split from St. Mary’s and St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, another gorgeous Catholic church in Anderson, Texas. St. Joseph’s celebrates Mass once a week, whereas St. Mary’s with its larger German and Czech population offers mass five times on the weekend and daily mass Monday through Thursday, and First Friday. That accommodates their large congregation. Father Ed manages St. Joseph’s, as well.
Parishioners help support the church with generous donations, recalling their childhood happiness and blessings. Leaders in the church volunteer, like Bill Jones, the church Administrator at the Plantersville site. Energetic people donate their skills and experience. The members volunteer time and prayers for whatever needs to be done. They are thankful for their religious community. The relationships show in their smiles. It’s more than a church: it’s a community of enthusiastic believers.
Schulenburg Painted Churches
The Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce offers scheduled tours for tourists. Be sure to buy their $5 brochure for your self-guided tour, as the map is excellent. Their guided tour offers detailed histories and stories. They are in the small towns of Ammannsville, Dubina, High Hill, and Praha, and Freyburg.
When we drove through the National Parks near Las Vegas a few years ago, I kept saying, “This is the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen,” after each stop. This is the way I reacted about all the “Painted Churches,” as we researched and photographed them. Each seemed like the “most beautiful.”
Five of the Twenty or More “Painted Churches near Schulenburg
I don’t know if the same atmosphere blossoms in the painted churches near Schulenburg. But I witnessed the zeal in Plantersville. It’s up to you to visit the “Painted Churches” to restore appreciation of the artistry these churches offer. Ponder your own experiences. Keep in mind, each of the churches has its own history and personality.
If you are interested in more information, simply Google “The Painted Churches of Texas.” Information is plentiful. I chose the Church of St. Mary’s Nativity for two reasons: the passion of their members and the location may fit your travel plans better than the churches near Schulenburg.
May you cherish a wonderful trip, and return home motivated to become more involved for the rewards of joy and kindness. “Love your Neighbor” offers hope for our broken nation. In our American society, rife with Covid, shootings, splits in politics and discrimination, you’ll return home with a more joyful heart by viewing the artistry and good will of our people and the places.
Photos by T. Glover