Farmers settled traditional churches

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

The church at Fayette County's High Hill is one of four Catholic churches developed by early German and Czech settlers. The settlers came to the area to farm, and they brought with them their traditional religious beliefs. In the early 1900s, the farmers were rejoicing high production in cotton and corn. Today many still come to rejoice in the Provider. -Staff photo by Taylor

January 9, 2003 -- As we ring in another new year, it's interesting to remember how the various groups of settlers arrived, and what traditions we have continued to follow throughout the years.

Two such groups were the German and Czech settlers who made their way from Europe, looking for more religious freedom, as well new lands in which to rear their families. Strangely enough, many of these settlers were drawn to land in Fayette County that has been compared to Europe's rolling hills ... just like the lands they left.

"They (settlers) brought their traditions with them from the homelands, and unfortunately, because the soil was so different ... at a higher elevation ... they (German and Czech people) jokingly say that only the crazy and most stubborn stayed here in Fayette County," laughed Cathy Chaloupka, La Grange tourism director.

Most of the settlers were farmers, and some had to work as servants to provide their means for settling in the area. Either way of settling didn't matter to them. What mattered was they were in a new country, with a new beginning.

Some of the settlers who landed in Galveston and made their way up to Fayette County decided the climate was too humid and hot, and went on to settle in Nebraska, Iowa, and Idaho, to mention a few states where today you will find German and Czech communities.

Those who stayed in Fayette County suffered through storms, droughts and insect invasions, but finally realized that the rotation of crops was very important, as well as planting and harvest times, which were different than those in Europe.

Since many of the people were poor, they created small communities within seven or eight miles from each other, a distance they were able to walk within one day. Owning a horse was considered a luxury, but was needed to plow the fields. Many families had a cow for dairy products and chickens, but much of their meat came from hunting wild game, according to information shared by Chaloupka.

During the years before the Civil War, Fayette County was one of the highest cotton and corn producing counties in Texas. Between 1900 and 1930, over 30,000 bales of cotton were produced, according to history recorded by the La Grange Chamber of Commerce.

After the Great Depression, cotton prices fell and many farmers had to find other ways to make a living. Corn, sugar cane, and honey were other crops that were produced in the area.

As small, one-room dwellings were built, the religious settlers concentrated on building churches where they could worship and thank God for their good fortune.

As the 19th century progressed, the area around Fayette County became the home of four Catholic churches, now known as the "Painted Churches."

"All of our Painted Churches are each very unique. The paintings were the artists' gift to the church and to God. They (artists) refused to put their name (on their work). Regrettably, now, we wish we know who these artists were!" said Chaloupka.

The churches are located in High Hill, Praha (named for Prague), Ammannsville, and Dubina. Each community has a history and story to tell, and each church is different.

During the early years, the ringing of the church bells alerted the people of the community of important happenings they needed to be aware of, and several of the bells that are still in use are over 100-years-old.

Each of the four churches has been rebuilt (since the original ones), due to storms and/or growth of the communities. Each has its own beauty, and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in High Hill just may be the most ornate.

Artists used frescoes and stenciling, among other techniques, and the outsides of the churches belie the beauty within. Some still have special services in German or Czech, along with special music.

The countryside is still rolling hills. The thousands of visitors who visit each year, including Europeans, still reminisce about the likeness of the land to the "old countries." Farmers and ranchers still gather in the small Painted Churches, and while cotton has given away to more corn and hay crops, agriculture is ever present.

Another year, another land and a special sect of people who still rejoice in God, country, and family, remembering what their ancestors accomplished in order to make this their home.