On November 30th, we headed to see the painted churches near Schulenberg. We visited High Hill, Ammannsville, and Dubina. The Czech-German immigrants to the area brought their religion and their colorful churches with them. The pictures do not do the churches justice!
High Hill was settled in 1860 by Austrian immigrants. The current church, the third, was built in 1868 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Ammannsville was settled in 1870. Their first church was built in 1890. The current church, third on the site, was built in 1917 and the interior was decorated by a European drifter.
Dubina, Texas
Dubina was settled in 1856 and was the first settlement of Czech-Moravians. The name “Dubina” comes from the Czech word for oak “dub.” The present church was built in 1912. Modernizing in 1952 covered some of the original painting. Thanks to parishioners, some of the original interior artwork has been restored.
In the area, also, is the Piano Bridge. The 1885 bridge, called the piano bridge because of the twanging sound made when cars passed over it, was saved from destruction by the Texas Historical Commission.
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