Painted Churches Y Trip

Photos are courtesy of Willie, Polly's hubby, as I didn't take my camera. Additionally, Willie afforded us girls a very relaxed and well air-conditioned trip in his van rather than having to ride the Y bus. Thanks, Willie!

We stopped in downtown Shulenberg to pick up the tour guide who boarded one of the buses which we followed.

Our first stop was Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Dubina's first church was built in 1876, but was destroyed by a 1909 hurricane. Rebuilt in 1912, it survived a fire that all but destroyed the town. Colorful spring flowers enhance the country church, but they don’t compare to the vivid hues of the interior, which is decorated with frescoes and stenciling. The artistry was common in Germany in the 1800s. The original artwork, which was painted over for the 1952 diamond jubilee of the church, was restored in the early 1980s.

Next up was St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville. It opened in 1890. Destroyed by the hurricane of 1909, the church was rebuilt. It burned shortly thereafter and had to be rebuilt a second time. The present St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is the third structure in this community, and it was dedicated on December 22, 1919. Constructed in Gothic Revival style, it is listed in the “National Register of Historical Places”. The interior features stenciling, infill freehand, and marbling techniques. Early settlers said the paintings were done by a European drifter. The windows, depicting men Saints on the right, and women Saints on the left, are inscribed in Czech and are Tiffany stained glass.

The last church on our tour was St Mary's Catholic Church, High Hill. It is the third to be built at High Hill. It is listed in the “National Register of Historical Places”. Construction of the present church started in 1905 with 18 stained glass windows from the second church placed in the new church. The highest point of the spire is about 175 feet. The interior is a well crafted example of the Gothic Revival style. It displays not only late Victorian features, but the European background of the German and Czech settlers. Although the main wall has been repainted, the ceiling, and a few other parts of the church have the original decorations.

Willie at Sts Cyril & Methodius Church ~ St John the Baptist Church  ~ St Mary's Church

The girls ~ L>R Polly, Anne, Carolyn in back, Peggy, Beth

Before returning to the Y, we had a great buffet lunch at Oakridge Smokehouse. The fried catfish and fried chicken were superb. The desserts of 'right out of the oven' Peach Cobbler and Bread Pudding were delightful. We'd highly recommend this place.