Coming to a New Land

Many Czech and German settlers came to Texas in the mid-1800s looking for economic opportunity and religious freedom.

Read more about the Germans Read more about the Czechs

Most of these men and women worked hard to establish themselves and to develop communities similar to their hometowns. A main component of what they wanted to recreate was a strong place to worship.

The painted churches were often the second or third church building these communities erected. The churches embody the aspirations of immigrant communities that had reached a certain maturity.

The churches became a symbol of success for these
new Texans who had survived the transition from the homeland, acquired the much-sought-after land, built schools for their children, and finally, established beautiful churches to nurture their spirits and sustain their faith.