The Great Schulenburg Smackdown: How Many Painted Churches Can You Handle?
Ah, Schulenburg, Texas. A land of kolaches, waltzes, and enough beautifully-painted churches to make Michelangelo weep with envy. But here's the question that plagues tourists and theologians alike: just how many of these artistic houses of worship are there? Buckle up, partner, because we're about to dive into the glorious, confusing world of Schulenburg's painted churches.
Four? Fantastic Four? Not Quite.
Let's dispel the myth right off the bat. While the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce might have you believing there's a neat little quartet of painted churches, that's just the tip of the painted steeple. We're talking six whole churches, each with enough frescoes and murals to make you feel like you've wandered into a Renaissance masterpiece.
But wait, there's more! Some folks will try to tell you there's a whopping 20 painted churches scattered throughout the Texas Hill Country, with Schulenburg being the epicenter of the whole shebang. Now, that's a road trip worth taking, but for the purposes of this discussion, let's focus on the gems right around Schulenburg.
Now You See It, Now You Don't: The Hidden Gems
Here's where things get tricky. There are a couple of shy churches hiding out in the area, like St. Mary's (also known as The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, try saying that three times fast). This little beauty resides in Praha, technically outside Schulenburg, but it boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling that'll have you saying "Hallelujah!"
Then there's the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. These two might be a little more selective about showing their artistic sides. They're still active churches, so you might need to request them on a guided tour.
Moral of the story: Don't be afraid to ask around! There's more painted church goodness out there than you might think.
So, How Many Churches Should You See?
Well, that depends on your tolerance for divine artistry. Can you handle the dazzling decorations of four churches in one day? Are you a fresco fanatic who craves a full-on, six-church extravaganza?
Here's a handy guide:
- The Casual Churchgoer: Hit the big four: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, Menard County Historic Courthouse (yup, it used to be a church!), and St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Church.
- The Fresco Fanatic: Embark on a six-church odyssey and prepare to be awestruck.
- The Indecisive Tourist: No worries! Just wander around Schulenburg and its surrounding areas. There's a good chance you'll stumble upon a hidden painted masterpiece.
Ultimately, the beauty of Schulenburg's painted churches is that there's something for everyone. So come one, come all, and prepare to be amazed by the sheer number (and artistic quality) of these holy houses of worship. Just don't forget your walking shoes - with this many churches to see, you're in for a divinely delightful adventure!
