Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary -- Praha TX
N 29° 40.201 W 097° 04.008
14R E 687084 N 3283784
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Praha TX, opened in 1895 (cornerstone laid in 1892). It is one of the famous "painted churches" in this part of Czech Texas.
Waymark Code: WMF869
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 09/08/2012
Views: 9
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Praha was built in 1895 to serve the predominantly Czech and Bohemian residents of this then-thriving town. It is one of the famous "painted churches" in this part of Texas.
Gottfried Flury, a Swiss immigrant and artist from the nearby town of Moulton, Texas painted most of the interior. Father Netardus, who had been born in Moravia, served as pastor at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 1901-1919. An artist in his own right, Fr. Netardus personally painted some scenes inside the church during his years as pastor there.
The stained glass windows at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary are of a simple style, made mostly in pastel colors with Catholic emblems inset in the centers. They are elegant, and calming. The highly decorated altar and beautiful statuary make this one of the most beautiful of all of the painted churches.
When the Southern Pacific Railroad passed by the town by in favor of decided to locate its station in Flatonia (3 miles West), Praha's businesses moved to Flatonia and Prahah declined. Today Praha is technically a ghost town, but you wouldn't know it around the Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary!
On the weekend after the feast (in Mid-August) the townsfolk hold their annual church picnic, the Praha Pout. It is a BIG blowout of home-cooked food, kolaches, polka music, cold Shiner beer, and Czech culture. Come to Praha for the waymarks, but stay for the Pout!
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1892
Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque
If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Roman Catholic
If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: From: 8:00 AM To: 7:00 PM
If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday
Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 9:00 AM
Street address of Church:
821 FM Road 1295
Flatonia, TX
78941
Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
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