St John the Baptist Painted Church in Schulenburg, Texas

The “Painted Church” tour in south Texas has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. There are many of these scattered all across Texas, five are in this area. All built and painted by Czechs and Germans who settled here in the 1800’s. St John’s was built in 1890, destroyed by a storm in 1909, rebuilt and burned to the ground 8 years later. Parishioners rushed into the flames to save some of the statues that decorate the church today. When it was rebuilt in 1917, a European drifter painted the wondrous stenciling and marbling and freehand design.

[Diana]

Such amazing history this beautiful little church has, lovely shot.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Great shot of a beautiful looking church.

[Jacqueline]

Lovely shaped roof!

[Tara]

Wonderfully composed shot so full of history!

[Dianne]

It’s beautiful and has certainly had a troubled history.

[Bep]

What a wonderful church, full of history.

[Joan Robillard]

Wow beautiful

[Karly]

This is so beautiful - and to think it was painted by someone just passing through. I would love to take the tour of all the painted churches.

[Islandgirl]

Oh my what a lovely church!

[Valerie Chesney]

Glorious Lou Ann would love to see these.

[Peter]

What a beautiful place to worship in Lou Ann, you have captured it in wonderful detail and colour:)

[Carole Sandford]

What a beautiful place!

[Pat Knowles]

The complete opposite of a dark & older church....so bright & cheerful it would uplift you!

[Michelle Renee]

Fabulous!

[Ron]

Stunning beauty! I feel for whoever gets stuck with the dusting task!

[Lou Ann]

@stray_shooter we visited 5 painted churches and every one of them was spotless. I can only imagine the care they use when cleaning all the decorative areas.

[Wendy]

This is a gorgeous church! It is so elaborate and the architecture is stunning!

[summerfield]

very beautiful. save some for the flash of red's second week. i think these churches will really show in black and white. aces, law. aces!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Now that is one resilient church! Beautiful detail. And Vikki is right- the inside of churches, painted or otherwise- do make nice black and white shots!