St. Mary's Catholic Church

Saint Mary's Church is a fine monument of the Gothic Revival style and is Fredericks- burg's most outstanding example. Furthermore, its interior is enriched with decorative painting which distinguishes it from other Gothic Revival churches in the state. Since its founding by German immigrants in the late 1840s, the church has played a major role in the religious, educational, and social lives of the community. The present structure reflects the prominence of the German culture in Fredericksburg.

German settlers came to Fredericksburg in the spring of 1846, seeking favorable economic and agrarian opportunities. Soon after their arrival a Catholic group began gathering informally and made plans for building a permanent church. A resident priest arrived in 1849 and was followed by a Catholic school teacher in 1856. Simple lumber and stone structures served these early activities. In 1861 a permanent stone building was begun. This building, standing today, housed the growing congregation for the next 43 years until it was no longer large enough. San Antonio architect Leo M. J. Dielmann designed the present building, which is among the most prominent buildings architecturally in Fredericksburg. Its soaring spire can be seen from a great distance from the surrounding hills.

Entries for "frescoeing" appear in the church records of 1906 and 1908, although no information about that early painting is available, except for one photograph. In 1936 this painting was modified significantly by a New York firm recorded in church documents as Dr. Oidtmann Studios, Inc. Young German artists are believed to have executed this work. Limitations of funds prevented a full restoration of the painting during the rehabilitative work done in the 1970s. Some portions of the painting were deleted al- together, although enough significant stencil and mural work remains to convey a sense of decorative enrichment.