Details for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5089004490

Data

Marker Number 4490
Atlas Number 5089004490
Marker Title Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Index Entry Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Address 1031 Church Ln.
City Frelsburg
County Colorado
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 737004
UTM Northing 3306817
Subject Codes churches; Roman Catholic denomination; German immigrants/immigration
Marker Year 1993
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Yes
Marker Location FM 109 & Church Ln., Frelsburg
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text Pioneer German Catholic immigrants who settled in this area in the early 1830s founded Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church about 1843. The congregation initially attended services held by itinerant priests known as "saddle bag" priests, including the Rev. John Odin and the Rev. J. P. Ogee. A log sanctuary was built here in 1844 and in 1847 the church became an official parish; the Rev. J. A. Jacobs served as its first resident priest. A cemetery was established here in 1847 with the burial of Gertrude Schemmer Halfmann. During the early 1850s the church was led by the Rev. Peter V. Gury and had become the principal religious institution for settlements as distant as 50 miles. Galveston Bishop John Odin and the Rev. Gury founded the First Catholic Seminary in Texas in here in 1854. The church erected new sanctuaries here in 1861 and again in 1912. The 1912 structure was destroyed by fire in 1926 and replaced with this sanctuary which was completed in 1927-1928. The building exhibits classical features such as Corithian columns, dentils, and pedimented gable ends. Other prominent features of this building include Gothic windows and Tudor-arched double entry doors. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church continues to serve the community. RTHL-1003 Incise on front: In memory of Lillie & Ewald Stein by Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Stein

Location Map

View this record in full map (opens in new tab/window)