Painted Churches in Texas

As I look back on my life, one thing that I remember from my twelve years in Texas is visiting the Painted Churches. We took almost every visitor we had to see these gorgeous little churches, west of the Houston area. I don't know how many times we visited this area -but it was SEVERAL times.

Research says that there are about 20 of these little churches--but we only visited about 5-6 of them near Schulenburg in Fayette County in the Texas Hill Country (Dubina, High Hill, Ammonsville, Praha, etc.). These little churches --dotted on the country hillsides--- were built by 19th century immigrants, mostly German and Czech. We found it breath-taking as we drove on the little country roads, especially when we would go around a curve or up a hill and see those gorgeous churches with their steeples standing tall throughout the little communities.

These churches were called the "Painted" Churches because when you entered the sanctuary---you would see all kinds of bright paintings, exuberant murals, and TONS of color all around. The wooden columns and baseboards would shine like polished marble in shades of green and gray. The stained-glass windows were incredible. Each of the churches told a story---a story about a people striving to succeed in a new country and yet still preserving the values and culture of their homelands.

If you ever get to Texas, be sure and check out the Painted Churches. They are truly awesome.. The picture above was typical of all of them---showing the color and elaborate designs. The picture above was from St. Mary's Catholic Church in High Hill. This church was built in 1906 and painted in 1912. Below are a few more.




I show you this one so that you'll see just how 'ordinary' these little churches look like from the outside. BUT--when you go inside, WELL----all you can say is "WOW".




The inside of one of the churches




The inside of another one of the Painted Churches




One of the gorgeous stained-glass windows




Here's a close-up of the ceiling area in one of the churches. When they say "Painted"---they really mean PAINTED all over!




Here's one more close-up picture of one of the churches.

You just have to see these churches to believe their beauty. I have many more pictures--which need to be scanned. SO---I'll post more at another time.

Hugs,

Little River Falls, Alabama

In the northwest corner of Alabama (near Fort Payne), there is the neatest canyon called the Little River Canyon National Preserve. George and I have been there twice---and I'd go back in a heartbeat!!!! There are four waterfalls, canyon vistas, boulders and sandstone cliffs in this canyon. AND---there is an 11 mile scenic area where one can drive --and stop at several overlooks all along the way.


Since I've talked alot about Tallulah Gorge in North GA, Cloudland Canyon in west GA, and also Fall Creek Falls in TN---you will know how much we love gorges and canyons---and of course waterfalls! Little River Canyon is more like Fall Creek Falls since there is a 'driving' tour involved rather than ALL hiking or walking. At Cloudland and Tallulah, we can hike down into the canyon.. All of these canyons or gorges are unique and beautiful--each in their own way.


Today I'm sharing the Little River Falls which is only one of the waterfalls in the Little River Canyon. This is the prettiest of the waterfalls in this area ---and when there is alot of water flowing (like when we were there this time), you'd think it was a Niagara in the South!!!! Above is a picture of the Little River Falls. Below are more --all from our trip there in January of 2007.







This is at the brink/top of the waterfall. We could feel the mist since there was so much water there that day.







George stands near the top... The wifey kept saying: "Back up, Dear!!!" (NOT!!!)







You will note that I was standing in a SAFE place---at the overlook!!!! ha







There is another overlook on the other side of the river ---where we could see Little River Falls. We had to 'walk on water' in order to get over there... Just kidding---we drove our car around there!!!! Ha Ha...







Here's one more picture showing how wide and how big Little River Falls is!!!!! Don't you like our Niagara of the South waterfall????? If you ever get to North Alabama, check this one out. I will post more pictures from this area sometime.


Hugs,