St. Peter's Church in Lindsay

[Big Dog]

I have received word from a member of this church that the building has been heavily damaged by storms in recent years, and is undergoing a multi-year restoration. This was a unique building in Texas churches and will be a shame if it is not restored properly and preserved.

It is one of the 15 Texas church buildings that are "official" painted churches, being on the National Register of Historic Places: "Churches in Texas with Decorative Interior Painting." It is also a recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

Designed by a Dutch immigrant for a town of German immigrants, the church is far from the mainstream of American architecture of that day, and reflects none of the dominant trends of early 20th Century eclecticism. Instead, the building is of direct European ancestry, having been inspired by 11th and 12th Century German Romanesque models.

While the exterior is outstanding, it is the interior decorative painting that contributes to the building's significance. Among religious buildings in Texas, St. Peter's is one of the most sophisticated and elaborately painted churches now known. The wall painting is a fine example of the art of trompe l'oeil.

I know I've seen images on this forum taken by other TPF members. I am trying to get a small collection of these together, in case the "restoration" looses some of the original. This church was photographed by me and others in the Texas Church Project (hence, the contact) but we worked in black and white.

Have you been there and photographed this church?

Thanks.

[tomdrink]

I have never photographed there, but have been to many Masses there. It's kinda hard to pay attention, when there is so much detail to look at! It is truly an amazing building!
TomD