Schulenburg
The crowd is always huge at the annual Praha church picnic.
Life’s A Picnic
Photos by Andy Behlen
The Magic of Fayette County’s Country Church Feasts By ANDY BEHLEN
The Fayette County Record
T
here is no better way to experience the culture of Fayette County than to visit one of the annual picnics put on by the Catholic churches scattered throughout the countryside. The Czech and German settlers who came here in the mid- to late-1800s were predominantly Lutheran or Catholic. As soon as they got their fields plowed and their cabins build, they joined together to build churches. Every year during the summer, usually around the time of the feast day of the church’s patron saint, parishioners would gather together for a big feast. The tradition lives on in the small Catholic communities of High Hill, Praha, Ammannsville, St. John, Dubina, Cistern, Holman, Plum, Ellinger, Fayetteville, and Hostyn.
The practice came over from the Czech and German lands. In the old days, each family would bring a chicken from their coop, or a pot of potatoes or green beans picked from their garden, a jar of peaches or pickles, and maybe a loaf of bread. When the entire parish got together for the feast, there was enough food for everyone. And the meal was often free. If you come to one of the picnics for nothing else, come for the meal. The recipes often date back to the late 1800s when Czech and German settlers founded the churches. Traditional fare invariably consists of fried chicken, german potatoes, sauerkraut, green beans and pickles. The meal also includes either beef stew or sausage, depending on parish tradition. While the meals are no longer free like they were in the old days, they are still a deal –
Ladies cut chicken for frying at the annual St. John picnic every 4th of July.
usually $8 to $9 a plate. Each community puts their own spin on the meal. In Ammannsville, the cooks use cracker crumb breading for the fried chicken. The ladies of St. Wenceslaus Church in Holman save a few of the boiled potatoes and
mash them up with the potato water to create the all-important mashka, which they add to the sauerkraut. The men of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Plum grind, stuff and smoke homemade sausage before the picnic and serve it Continued, next page
Schulenburg
Dancing at the High Hill Church picnic. Photo by Andy Behlen
Music, Food and Fun Nearly Every Sunday Continued from previous page at the meal. Those who eat inside the hall at St. John get treated to sliced tomatoes picked fresh from local gardens, but only if it rained enough that year. The bands that perform at these picnics play both kinds of music – polkas and waltzes. The summertime picnics form a sort of concert circuit for bands like the Shiner Hobo Band, Mark Halata and Texavia, the Red Ravens, and that young group from another part of Texas where some Czechs settled, the Ennis Czech Boys. Many of the songs they perform came over from the Czech lands in the 1800s. If you visit one of the picnics, you’ll likely hear locals singing along in Czech to standards like “A Já Sám” (All By Myself) and “Když Jsme Opustili Prahu” (Farewell to Prague, or the Shiner Song, depending on who’s singing). But other tunes were inspired locally, sometimes by the picnics themselves, as in the case of the great Dujka Brothers number
“Grandpa Drank Too Much at the St. John Picnic.” The picnics are regular stops for the red- and white-festooned dancers of the Polka Lover’s Club of America. If you don’t know how to dance the polka or waltz, just ask one and they’ll happily teach you. Each parish holds an auction at their picnic to raise money for the church, and it’s often the church’s biggest fundraiser of the year. For those visiting from out of town, it can be a great opportunity to bring home a piece of Fayette County culture. Parishioners donate items to sell in the auction like pickles, noodles, homemade molasses, baked goods, local crafts and antiques. Each parish usually has a few venerable matrons who produce masterpiece quilts for the auction. But be prepared to spend thousands of dollars if you want one of those. Bring the kids and grandkids, too. The grounds at each picnic are filled with old-fashioned games for the kids like ring toss, Continued on next page
A girl tries to chase down an armadillo during one of the kids games at the St. John picnic. Photo by Andy Behlen
Schulenburg
Something For All at a Church Picnic Continued from previous page
dunking booths, cake walks and train rides. And when the kids run out of quarters for the games, you don’t have to dip into your biergarten fund to keep them happy. Most of the picnics have a recycling station set up where they pay the kids in quarters to pick up aluminum cans from around the picnic grounds. Many of the churches are on the famous Painted Churches Tour. If you plan on visiting the Painted Churches, you could schedule your trip to coincide with one of the picnics. We won’t say which picnic is the best – that might start a holy war – but you can always visit them all and decide for yourself.
A girl dances to the sounds of a Polka Band at the Ammannsville picnic.
Photo by Andy Behlen
A Guide to Local Church Picnics 1st Sunday in May & 1st Sunday in October • Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Hostyn; 936 FM 2436 La Grange, Texas 78945 (979) 247-4441 hostynch@cvctx.com 1st Sunday in June • Sacred Heart Church in Flatonia 516 South Faires Flatonia, Texas 78941 (361) 865-3568 sacredheart186@sbcglobal.net 2nd Sunday in June • St. Rose of Lima Church in Schulenburg 1010 Lyons Avenue Schulenburg, Texas 78956 (979) 743-3117 srolc@cmaaccess.com
3rd Sunday in June (Father’s Day) • St. John the Baptist Church in Ammannsville 7850 Mensik Rd. La Grange, Texas 78945 (979) 743-3117 Last Sunday in June • Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Plum 126 Plum Church Road La Grange, Texas 78945 (979) 242-3600 hostynch@cvctx.com
Schulenburg, Texas 78956 (361) 798-5888 Always August 15th • Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Praha 821 FM 1295 Flatonia, Texas 78941 (361) 865-3560
1st Sunday in July • Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina, FM Road 1383 Dubina, Texas 78956 (979) 725-8461
4th Sunday in August • Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Cistern 113 Manchester St. Cistern, Texas 78941 (361) 865-3568 • St. Mary Church in Ellinger 815 St. Mary’s Church Rd. Ellinger, Texas 78938 (979) 378-2277
Always July 4th • St. John the Baptist Church in St. John; 7026 FM 957
Sunday before Labor Day • Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in High Hill
2833 FM 2672 Schulenburg, Texas 78956 (979) 561-8455 • St. John the Baptist Church in Fayetteville; 209 E. Bell St. Fayetteville, Texas 78940 (979) 378-2277 stsjm@stjohnfayetteville.com 3rd Sunday in September • St. Wenceslaus Church in Holman 9538 Anton Salas Loop Holman, Texas 78945 (979) 743-3117 Last Sunday in October • Sacred Heart Church in La Grange 539 East Pearl Street La Grange, Texas 78945 (979) 968-3430 sacredheartlg@cmaaccess.com
Schulenburg
Fayette County’s Famous Painted Churches
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atholic immigrants from Europe brought ideas of what a church should look like with them when they came to Fayette County in the 1800s – it should look as much as possible like the great cathedrals they were used to. That’s the reason congregations paid itinerant painters to create interiors that appeared to have marble columns and vaulted ceilings. Elaborate gold-leaf ornamentation and statuary on the altars augmented the illusion of grandeur. The painted effects are still vibrant today. The Painted Church Tour serves as the center-piece for the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. “The structures, located in the communities of Dubina, High Hill, Ammannsville, and Praha appear unassuming as you approach them, but as you enter the front doors prepare to have your breath taken away by the beauty found inside,” the chamber says. “The colorful spring flowers enhance the country churches, but they don’t compare to the vivid hues of the interiors.” There are more than 20 painted churches around Texas, ranging from simple to extremely elaborate. In 1984, 15 of the churches were listed in the National Registrer of Historic Places. The Painted Churches have
been featured in numerous magazines, television programs and newspaper articles. A scenic tour of the churches in Fayette County is an easy day trip from Austin, Houston or San Antonio. Brochures are available outside the Schulenburg chamber of commerce office, 618 N. Main Street. (979) 743-4514. Several tour groups offer trips to the Painted Churches. Information is available from the chamber. Many of the churches have fascinating stories behind them. According to Alan Oakes, C.S.P., St. Mary’s in Praha has one of the best. “Local history says that a keg of beer was offered to the man who dared top the church steeple with a cross. At over 130 feet, climbing to the top was no doubt a harrowing feat. Evidently a man who put crosses on steeples for a living took the community up on their offer. After he bravely affixed the cross to the top of the steeple the man proceeded to do a handstand on top of the cross. Makes me wonder if he might have been sipping some of the winnings before the climb,” says the Catholic priest, who was executive producer of a television documentary on the Painted ChurchesVisitors can learn similar stories at all the churches, if they take a little time to meet the people of these fascinating communities.
St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption 821 FM 1295, Praha community
Located just south of the railroad tracks that run parallel to SH 90. Prior to the coming of the Czechs, Praha was called Mulberry by the Anglo settlers. Praha has a huge gathering every year when thousands descend on the church grounds for a veteran’s reunion. Built: 1895; Architect: O. Kramer Artist: Gottfried Flury, Rev. Louis Netardus, and Gene A. Mikulik Mass Times: Weekends: Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. Picnic: 8/15 & Sun. before Veterans Day Church related information on Praha—Call 361-596-4674 • PLEASE NOTE: St. Mary’s Church at Praha will be closed from Jan. 12, 2015 until Aug. 14, 2015 for renovations. If all goes as planned, the church will re-open for it’s feast day and celebration on Aug. 15.
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Schulenburg
Painted Churches, Continued
D E T N I PA
S E H C CH U R
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 7745 Mensik Rd., Ammannsville community.
The Catholic church and a school opened in 1890. Destroyed by the hurricane of 1909, the church was rebuilt. It burned shortly thereafter and had to be rebuilt a second time. Built: 1918; Painted:1919 Architect: John Bujnoch Artist: Fred Donecker and Sons Mass Times: Weekends: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (Odd Months). Sunday 8 a.m. (even months). Church related information on Ammannsville - Call (979) 743-3117
To book a tour or for more information, please call (866) 504-5294 or see our web site: schulenburgchamber.org
Schulenburg
Fayette County’s Painted Churches, Continued
St. Mary: Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin 2833 FM 2672, High Hill community.
Elaborate faux-marble columns and vaulted ceilings make this church one of the ones not to miss. The grayish blue stone capping the buttresses and accenting the brick was quarried from the nearby town of Muldoon. Built: 1906 Mass Times: 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. on Wednesdays Picnic: Labor Day Sunday Church related information on High Hill - Call (979) 743-3117 Painted:1912 Architect: Leo Dielmann; Artist: Stockert and Kern Builder: Frank Bohlman
Schulenburg
Fayette County’s Painted Churches, Continued
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church FM 1383 Dubina community.
Featuring simple stenciling and framed Stations of the Cross, the church is just west of Weimar off old Hwy. 90. Other than Sunday, the church can be viewed from the entry only. It can be opened for groups. Just north of the church is the old Dubina grocery. Following the road
around the corner will take you over the “Piano Bridge” – one of the few remaining iron bridges in Fayette County. Painted: 1909; Architect: Leo Dielmann Mass Times: Weekends: 8:45 a.m. Sunday Picnic: Sunday before 4th of July Church related information on Dubina - Call (979) 725-6714
Flatonia
This mural in downtown Flatonia celebrates the town storied railroad history.
Flatonia Growing, but Still Holding Onto its Old-Town Charm
Strolling down Main Street in downtown Flatonia is like taking a trip back in time. If you close your eyes and open your imagination, it’s easy to visualize how this quaint community has developed into one of Fayette County’s most unique and charming towns. Old, yet architecturally significant buildings line both North and South Main Streets in downtown Flatonia. They are remnants of a past when everything social was centered in downtown. Today, Flatonia remains a bustling community. The town is filled with friendly people who appreciate their heritage and relish their history. Flatonia and the surrounding area continues to rely on farming and ranching as one of its main sources of revenue, while recent oil and gas production is beginning to play into the town’s economic wellbeing. Fairs, festivals, music, food, architectural
landmarks, recreational opportunities are only a few of the attractions that lure people to the rolling hills and lush fields in and around Flatonia. If a person is looking for a prime example of small town Texas, then Flatonia is the place to be.
CZHILISPIEL
A benchmark on the Flatonia social scene is the town’s annual Czhilispiel festival. Drawing more than 10,000 festival goers each year, Czhilispiel is held on the fourth full weekend in October in downtown Flatonia. This annual event has been going on for more than 45 years, and every year the crowds get larger, the music gets louder and the food gets tastier. It’s hard to beat a Czhilispiel weekend in Flatonia. Czhilispiel is a Czech German flavored festival featuring more than 200 Czhili cook-
ing/showmanship contestants, 75 BBQ Bean cooking teams, continuous musical entertainment, and one of the State’s largest Biergartens. The festival also hosts contests to pick the best Margarita, bravest Jalapeno Eater, a 5K Run/Walk, plenty of arts & crafts, a judged car and truck show, and a variety of other options to make your visit to Czhilispiel a memorable one! Visit www.chilispiel.com or call (361) 865.3920 for more information.
E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum
The E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum was established in 1988 and has grown to be one of the largest museums in rural Central Continued on next page
Flatonia
Flatonia’s Czhilispiel festival, which this parade float promotes, is held the fourth full weekend of every October.
Flatonia Filled With Festivals, History Continued from previous page Texas. It is devoted to preserving the cultural history of small town life in Flatonia and its surrounding communities. The ground floor of the main building is a showcase of goods and furnishings from early area homes, businesses, clubs, schools and churches. The second floor houses the Flatonia area Veterans Museum with displays of uniforms, flags, weapons, war memorabilia and a special “Wall of Honor” with more than 300 photos of local veterans in uniform spanning the decades from World War I to the present day. A separate barn contains a country life collection with everything from a complete farm kitchen to a wide array of vehicles and farm implements spanning decades of local agricultural use. Historical photographs, letters, documents, and advertising memorabilia throughout the exhibits in both buildings add an extra layer of detail to the story of Flatonia. The museum is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from
10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., or by appointment. For additional information call (361) 865.3455, email arnimmuseum@att.net or visit our website at www.arnimmuseum.org.
Central Texas Rail History Center
At one time, the railroads ruled this small Central Texas community. Farmers, ranchers and merchants depended on the trains to deliver the necessities of their livelihood. For the town’s citizens and those from surrounding communities, train transportation was their connection to the outside world. Today, the history of the rails in Flatonia lives at the Central Texas Rail History Center, located at 114 South Main Street across from the post office. The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia. Across from the Center stands old Tower No. 3, which was built in 1902 and served as a switching
facility just west of downtown at the interlocker. Located at the interlocker is the Rail Photo Pavilion, a covered, elevated facility that affords rail fans an up-close view of trains traveling East-West and North-South. The photo pavilion is located only blocks from the Central Texas Rail History Center. For additional information visit the Center’s website at www.railcrossroadstx.com or call (713) 471-8068.
Crawfest
A Flatonia Chamber of Commerce event for the past 11 years, Crawfest is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing festivals in Fayette County. Held annually in April, the festival is a feast full of good food and fun. In addition to Gulf Coast crawfish and shrimp, the menu includes Joel’s BBQ sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes, beer, wine, and live music and dancing. Crawfest is held at the American Legion Hall and additional information can be obtained by emailing www.flatoniachamber.
com or email flatoniacofc@sbcglobal.net. You can also call the Chamber office at (361) 8653920.
Golf Course
Flatonia’s nine-hole golf course has been described by many out-of-towners as the “best kept secret in Fayette County.” With oak tree lined fairways and a scattering of water hazards, the Flatonia course is a challenge to any player…no matter your skills. Carts and clubs are available for rent and a practice range is open and ready for your warmup swings. The clubhouse is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.flatoniagolf.com or call the clubhouse at (361) 865-2922.
Finding Flatonia
Flatonia is the center point between two of Texas’ fastest growing areas. The town is centrally located halfway between Houston and San Antonio on I-10.
Flatonia
Ceremonial shots are fired as part of the Praha annual Veterans Program.
Photo by Beverly Ponder
Veterans Event in Praha Not to Be Missed
Nine Residents of Small Community Killed in WWII Remembered Every Nov.
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he small Fayette County community of Praha, just outside Flatonia, has one of the most historic and moving Veterans Day programs anywhere. Praha, which has a population of just a few hundred, had nine of its residents killed during action in WWII. Here is a history of the annual memorial event, which is always held the Sunday before Veterans Day (In 20015 that’s Nov. 8) no the grounds of St. Mary’s church in Praha: The Praha Veterans Club held its first Veterans Day program Nov. 11, 1962, an event that would grow to be one of the most notable of such observances each year in Texas. The annual obser-
vance in the rural Fayette County community was started under the direction of the late Rev. Marcus Valenta, a World War II chaplain and survivor of Pearl Harbor who had come to St. Mary’s Parish in 1954. Ernest Chaloupka recalls that Father Valenta met with a small group of veterans at the cemetery to organize the club in 1962. It would be under his direction that memorial services were first held, that also being a year when the national holiday was on a Sunday. On other years, the observance - now known as All Veterans Day in Praha - is held on the Sunday before Veterans Day. Chaloupka, Adolf Masek, Edwin Mikulik and Charles Lev were among those who helped
Father Valenta with that first observance. The club was formally organized in 1968 with Chaloupka as chairman; Masek, vice chairman; Lev, secretary; Mikulik, treasurer; and Julius Jasek, director. The activities occur near where “Praha’s own little national cemetery” was created within the confines of the larger cemetery to honor nine men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country during World War II. While there are many other veterans from World War II and other wars buried at Praha, including 24 from World War I, there are no other known war dead. The present national Veterans Day was created in 1954 from
the former observance of Armistice Day for World War I. The war dead from World War II include Rudolf L. Barta, a machine gunner killed in the invasion of Normandy; Robert V. Bohuslav, who manned a bazooka and was killed in North Africa; Anton Kresta Jr., killed in action on Luzon in the Philippine Islands; Joseph Lev, killed by a sniper on Luzon; Edward J. Marek, killed by machine gun fire on Peleliu Island; George D. Pavlicek, died in France from wounds received in action; Adolph E. Rab, a cannoneer killed in North Italy when an enemy shell landed near his foxhole; Jerry R. Vaculik, killed in action in France.
Continued on Page 108
Flatonia
FLATONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WWW.FLATONIACHAMBER.COM
2015 Annual Events March 28 - Spring Market Day with the Texas Independence Relay April 4 - Flatonia Rail Fan Pavilion Party April 11 - Knights Ride for Wounded Warriors April 18 - Flatonia C of C CRAWFEST May 2 - Flatonia Rotary Club Golf Tournament May 24 - Flatonia American Legion Memorial Day Service June 7 - Flatonia Sacred Heart Church Parish Picnic June 27 - Flatonia C of C Freedom Fest, Patriotic Parade & Wing Fling Cook Off August 15 - St. Mary’s Church - Praha Prazska Pout Picnic August 23 - Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church - Cistern Picnic September 4 - Health Fair at Civic Center by Oak Manor Nursing Center October 23-25 - CZHILISPIEL 43 - Czhili & BBQ Cook-offs November 7 - Flatonia Rail Fan Pavilion Party November 7 - E. A. Arnim Museum Stew Dinner Fundraiser, Auction & Play November 8 - All Veterans Day Memorial Service at Praha December 1 - Lighting of Christmas Village with Santa December 4 - Flatonia C of C Wonderful Winter Wine Walk December 5 - Flatonia C of C Merry Market Day, Cookie-Candy Carnival and Santa
Area Attractions E. A.ARNIM ARCHIVES & MUSEUM CENTRAL TEXAS RAIL HISTORY CENTER FLATONIA GOLF COURSE FLATONIA LIVESTOCK COMMISSION St. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, PRAHA (Painted Church)
HOME OF CZHILISPIEL FLATONIA RAIL PARK PAVILION GREAT SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS and LODGING
Flatonia
Praha Honors Veterans Continued from Page 106 Also, there is an empty grave honoring Eddie Sbrusch who was captured in the Philippines and was lost at sea when the ship transporting him and other prisoners of war to Japan was torpedoed by an American submarine. In honor of these nine men and all others who have served their country in all wars, the All Veterans Day program typically includes a mass at 9:30 a.m.; memorial service at 11; and flyovers by the U.S. Air Force and a flower drop over the cemetery by the Commemorative Air Force. Following that at the hall, there is the serving of a Prahastyle fried chicken dinner. There is no greater reward for those who served than to be remembered.
Arnim Archives and Museum Offers Unique Look at Flatonia’s History
The annual Veterans event in Praha is held on the grounds outside St. Mary’s church.
The E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Flatonia area, including its people and its culture, and making its collections available to the public for both research and entertainment. E.A. Arnim, Sr. and partner Jonathan Lane opened the Arnim & Lane Mercantile Store on Flatonia’s North Main Street in 1886, when the town was still in its infancy. Arnim’s eldest son, Judge E.A. “Sam” Arnim, Jr. spent a lifetime amassing an extensive collection of objects of local historic significance. In 1988, the Judge’s widow, Ann, had the idea of establishing a museum in Flatonia in his memory. The Flatonia State Bank offered its building, located across the street form the old Arnim & Lane store, to house the Arnims’ original collection along with a wealth of additional donations from nu-
merous other families with deep roots in Flatonia history. The museum’s exhibits illustrate the settlement, early history and continuing development of Flatonia and the surrounding communities. The ground floor of the main building is a showcase of goods and furnishings from early Flatonia homes, businesses, clubs, schools and churches, while the second floor houses the Flatonia area Veterans Museum. A separate barn contains a country life collection with everything from a complete farm kitchen to a wide array of vehicles and farm implements. Located downtown in the old Flatonia State Bank Building. 101 E. North Main Flatonia, Texas Hours: Thursday & Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
CENTRAL TEXAS RAIL HISTORY CENTER Model Trains • Photos Galore • Railroading Artifacts Train Books, Magazines & Parts Manuals OPEN SATURDAYS 104 S. Main St. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Flatonia, TX 78941 Children Welcome!
WWW.RAILCROSSROADSTX.COM
Flatonia
Czhilispiel Keeping It Spicy in Flatonia By H.H. HOWZE
The Fayette County Record
What’s in a name? Take “Czhilispiel” for instance. The famous chili cookoff and community celebration with the funny name (which this year will be held Oct. 23-25 in downtown Flatonia) causes newcomers to want to know: Exactly what kind of word is that? “We needed a catchy name,” retired 155th District Judge Dan Beck said. Beck is the man most often given credit for initiating the an-
A Czhilispiel float from years’s past. Czhilipiel turns 43 this year.
nual event. “The ‘Chilympiad,’ one of the original chili cookoffs, was already a big deal.” Chili plus “spiel” (German for “play”) was Beck’s suggestion. Long-time Flatonian Edwin
Zapalac claims credit for the “z” in “czhili.” “It acknowledges that there are Czechs as well as Germans in town,” he said in a phone call. That was actually year two.
The first cookoff – without the distinctive name – was part of the town’s centennial celebration in 1973. Beck wants to set the record Continued on next page
Flatonia
Czhilispiel 43 This October Continued from previous page straight as to whose idea the first chili cookoff really was: “Mike Herzik was a young lawyer – even younger than me – and he came up with the idea of a chili cookoff to help celebrate the centennial.” Herzik was from Praha and still practices law in Katy, according to Beck, his old employer and friend. “He’s done very well as a lawyer – no doubt as a result of the excellent training he got in my office,” Beck laughed. The centennial was a onetime event. Why did the chili cookoff re-appear the next year with the unusual name? “We needed a doctor.” Beck said. “Flatonia was a one-doctor town and old Doc Moorehead had died. It was a one-lawyer town too – but there were three of
us,” he added with a chuckle. The idea was to raise money to help send a young person to medical school who would agree to come back and serve the town for at least five years. It worked like a charm. “We got a committee together and decided to continue the cookoff and dedicate the proceeds to the medical education of a young woman. She graduated and practiced medicine in Flatonia for a lot longer than five years,” Beck said. Czhilipiel’s cookoff started off small with 10-12 entrants, but grew rapidly. In those days chili cookoffs were in their heyday. “At one time it claimed to be the second-biggest cookoff in Texas with 150 to 175 cookers,” Beck recalled. He estimated the current number at 50 to 60. Now music is a big draw. There is always lots of bands, lots
A Czhilispiel reveler from the early days of the festival.
of dancing and lots of beer. The big show takes a big tent, and Czhilispiel boasts the “World’s Largest Tented Beer Garden.” For the actual event, “We shut down U.S. 90,” he said. “Arts and crafts and food booths line the
streets.” Czhilispiel clearly still brings a lot of welcome cash into the local economy. Czhilispiel 43 is Oct. 23-25, 2015 in Flatonia. For more information visit: www.flatonia chamber.wix.com/czhilispiel.
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Flatonia
Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka, right, leads U.S. Senator Michael McCaul and Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst on a tour of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina, one of this area’s famed Painted Churches. Photo by Jeff Wick
Fayette County Churches Assembly of God Asamblia of God Vida Abudante AG; 124 S. Franklin St.; Pastor Mario and Tereza Ortez; Domingo 10 a.m.; Miercoles 7-9 p.m.; 338-0235 Gospel Lighthouse Assembly of God 144 S. College; Pastor Walter Williams; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 6 p.m.
Baptist Bible Baptist 820 N. Jefferson; Pastor Gary Blake; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m. Big Spring Hill Baptist Oldenburg; D.A. Shelton, Min.; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Ebenezer Baptist 829 N. Jefferson; Norris Eason, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. First Baptist 121 S. College; Pastor Jonathan Smith; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 6 p.m.
Flatonia Baptist Tim Rowell, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. Little Bethal Baptist 3242 Loehr Rd.; Pastor Louis Zachary; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Muldoon Baptist Pastor Will Martin; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. New Union Missionary Baptist 715 MLK, Flatonia; E.F. McDuffie, Min.; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Peaceful Rest Baptist 808 E. Fannin, 968-6843; Michael Sims, Min.; S.S. 9:45 - 10: 30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m.; Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Wed. St. Matthew Missionary Baptist H.L. Penson, Min.; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 2nd & 4th Sun. 11:30 a.m.; Wed. 6 p.m. Second Baptist 1010 Von Minden; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Leo Taylor, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun. 11:30 a.m.
United Baptist C. Henson, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun. 11:30 a.m. Bethel Baptist Church Joel Rumbaugh, min.; 650 S. Ellinger Road; Bible Study, 10 a.m., Morning Worship 11 a.m. Concord Baptist Church Rev John Ates, Pastor; SW 10:30 a.m. every second Sunday of the month.
Catholic Holy Rosary Catholic Hostyn; Rev. Daniel P. Kahlich, Deacon John McCourt; Sat. Mass: 5 p.m.; Sun. Mass: 8 a.m. Sacred Heart Catholic 539 E. Pearl; Rev. Joseph Varickamackal; Thurs. Mass 7 a.m.; Fri. School Mass: 8:30 a.m.; S.S. 8:30 a.m.; Sat. English Mass: 5 p.m.; Sun. English Mass: 9 & Sun. Spanish Mass: 11:30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Flatonia Eddie Winkler, Pastor; Sat. Mass: 5 p.m.; Sun Mass: 9:30 a.m.
St. John The Baptist Catholic Ammannsville; Sun. Mass: 9:30 a.m. St. John’s Catholic Fayetteville; Rev. Nock Russell; Sat. Mass: 6 p.m.; Sun. Mass: 10 a.m.; Wed. 7p.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Near Ellinger; Rev. Nock Russell; Sun. Mass: 8 a.m.; Thurs. 6:00 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 7 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic High Hill; Tim Kosler, Min.; Sat. Mass: 6:30 p.m.; Wed. Mass: 7 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church Praha; Rev. Gabriel Maison; Masses Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun.8 a.m. St. Peter & Paul Catholic Plum; Rev. Daniel P. Kahlich, Deacon John McCourt; Sun. Mass: 10 a.m. Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cistern; Eddie Winkler, Pastor; Sun. Mass: 8 a.m. Sts. Cyril & Methodius Dubina; 725-6714; Sun. Mass: 8:45 a.m.
Flatonia
Fayette County Churches Church of Christ Church Of Christ 646 E. Hwy. 71 E.; Scott Elliott, Min.; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.
Church of God Cedar Of Lebanon Church Of God In Christ Hwy. 159 in Fayetteville; Pastor Lakeith McKinney.; Bible Study Wed. 7:30 p.m.; YPWW - Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. W.S. 11:30 a.m. Miracle Temple Church of God In Christ 1008 E. Fannin; Elder Melvin Thomas, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:30 a.m.; Bible Study Wed. 7 p.m.
Episcopal St. James Episcopal 156 N. Monroe, 968-3910; Eric Hungerford, Rector; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 8 & 10:30 a.m.
Shared Lutheran Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County Rev. Marcia Kifer, Lead Pastor St. John in Ellinger Corner of Grover & Fayette; W.S. 8 a.m., Communion every Sunday. St. Paul in Fayetteville Corner of Fayette St. & Hwy. 159; W.S. 10:30 a.m., Communion every Sunday. St. John in Rutersville 5743 State Hwy. 159 East of La Grange; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m., Communion every Sunday. St. John in Warrenton 4446 S. State Hwy. 237; W.S. 8:30 a.m., Communion every Sunday.
a.m., Second Saturday 6 p.m. Mt. Calvary Lutheran 800 N. Franklin; Rev. William Qualman, Pastor; S.S. & Bible Classes 10:15 a.m. Wed. 10 a.m; W.S. Sat. 5 p.m. & Sun. 9 a.m.; L.C.M.S. St. Michael’s Lutheran Winchester; Pastor Nate Hill; 242-3444; S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church 110 W. Walnut; Sr. Pastor Candis O’Meara; S.S. 10:30 a.m.; W.S. Sat. 5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. St. Peter Lutheran Prairie Valley Rd. of Hwy. 71 West.; W.S. 8:45 a.m.; 361-798-0155 United Evangelical Lutheran Swiss Alp; Lemae Higgs, Min.’ S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9:15 a.m. Waldeck Lutheran Waldeck; Willie Rotter, Min.; S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m. Zion Lutheran Schulenburg; Rev. Al Gallmeier, Pastor; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m
Methodist Bethlehem AME 2200 Bethlehem Rd., 247-5010; Edward Heard, Min.
First United Methodist Flatonia; Rob Clopton, Min.; S.S. 10:45 a.m.; W.S. 9:30 a.m. First United Methodist 1215 N. Von Minden; J. Paul Bruhn, Min.; Traditional W.S. 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10:10 - 11 a.m.; New Life W.S. 11:10 a.m. Freyburg United Methodist 4520 FM 2238; Pastor Phillip Hefner; W.S. 8:30 a.m. every Sunday. St. James United Methodist 710 N. Jackson; Rev. Morris Daugherty, Min.; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun. 11 a.m. St. Paul AME 729 E. Guadalupe; Herman Pwell, Min.; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. Winchester United Methodist 8933 FM 153; Wilson Pruitt, Min.; 512689-7855, 512-533-2925; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun 8:30 a.m. Living World Ministries Muldoon; Don McKenzie, Min.; W.S. 10 a.m.; Wed. 7:30 p.m.
Presbyterian First Presbyterian 205 S. Franklin St.; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. St. Paul Presbyterian, Schulenburg Corner of Hillje and Summit; W.S. 10:30 a.m.; Adult B.S. 9:30 a.m.
Seventh-day Adventist Seventh-day Adventist 1000 E Hwy 71; Ken Olin, Min; SaturdaySabbath School 9:30 a.m., WS 11 a.m.
Cowboy Church Colorado River Cowboy Church 5122 Hwy. 71 - between La Grange & Smithville; Pastor Bubba Fowler; 10 a.m. Worship Service
Pentecost
Others
United Pentecostal 311 N. Horton St.; Jim Hancock, Pastor; S.S. 10 a.m.; Church Services 10:45 a.m.; Sunday Services 6 p.m.; Tuesday
Family Christian 2124 N. Hwy. 95, Flatonia; Gordon & Pam Johnston, Mins.; W.S. 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Fayetteville Brethren 1022 Kramr, Ross Prairie; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. RT Church Christian Fellowship 440 E Mill St; Matthew Diehl, Min.; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m.; Monday Morning Men's Breakfast 8-9 a.m. Temple Israel of Schulenburg 211 Baumgarten, 247-4504; High Holy Days, Pesach,; Kabbalat Shabbat The Remnant Church 2010 Von Minden Rd., 968-5065; Pastors Dennis & Jan Hill; Sunday Service 10 a.m.; Monday Prayer 7 p.m; Wednesday Family Life Night 7 p.m. Crossroads Christian Fellowship Contemporary Worship, NonDenominational; 701 Lyons Ave. in Schulenburg; Pastor Nathan Johnson; Bible Study 9:30 a.m.; Worship Service 10:30 a.m. The Living Vine Christian Church 124 S. Water St., La Grange; Pastors Gordon & Pam Johnston; Sunday 10 a.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study adults & youth. Mars Hill Tabernacle Hwy. 159, Fayetteville; 9 a.m. Saturday with Bible Study 1st & 3rd Wednesday of month.
Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran Shelby; Rev. John David Nedbalek; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 8 a.m.; Bethlehem Lutheran Rev. John David Nedbalek, S.W. 9:30 a.m.; S.S. 10:15 a.m. on first and third Sunday; 4th Sunday, Friendship Bunch, 10:15 a.m. Holy Cross Lutheran FM 1482, Warda: Rev. Dennis Tegtmeier, Pastor; S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m. Martin Luther Lutheran 211 Luther Lane, Carmine; Rev. David Tinker, Pastor; S.S. 10:10 a.m.; W.S. 9
Ladies Prayer 9 a.m., Men’s Prayer 7 p.m.; Bible Study 7 p.m. Thursday. Crusade For Souls Ministry 5911 Wynne Ln. in Walhalla, 249-3874; Herbert & Dorothy Shelby, Mins.; W.S. 12 noon 1st & 3rd Sun.
St. James Episcopal Church in La Grange, which was built in 1885, is a Texas Historic Landmark. The original furnishings, which were handmade by the rector and congregation, are still in use. Photo by Jeff Wick