Die Alte Kirche (Old St. Mary's), Fredericksburg, Texas

the sanctuary of Die Alte Kirche, or Old St. Mary's in Fredericksburg, Texas

Marienkirche, or Die Alte Kirche (Old St. Mary's)

the historic German Catholic pioneer church in Fredericksburg, TX

Marienkirche, or "Old Saint Mary's" (today called the "Little Church") was built by German pioneers in the Texas Hill Country in 1861. Today, the congregation has moved to a larger building nearby, but the old stone church is still open for the faithful to visit, pray, and sit in quiet contemplation. 

Die Alte Kirche, also called the "Little Church" or "Marienkirche"

The little stone church - with its German cross set above the door - is a reminder of the German pioneers who settled in the Texas Hill Country in the area surrounding Fredericksburg, Texas. The little stone church, today most commonly referred to as the "Little Church", is open as a chapel, and the local parish of St. Mary's holds occasional special services inside. 

Light from the blue stained glass windows and the blue pews of the church give the sanctuary its iconic blue hue, which was intentionally planned so as to honor the Virgin Mary, to whom the church was dedicated. The transcendent heavenly hue which saturates the air is meant to evoke a transcendent experience in those who sit to pray surrounded by the blue light.

The little chapel is a uniquely spiritual place; a place where one can feel at peace to pray or simply sit on a pew and think.

light from the blue stained glass gives the church its iconic blue appearance

The current Saint Mary's ("New" Saint Mary's) was built next door in 1908 to accommodate the parish's growing congregation. The new church building is still in use today, and the "Little Church" is open daily for prayer and meditation. Occasional special services are still held here, but it is no longer the main church building.

https://www.stainedglasstravel.com/2022/06/saint-mary-of-immaculate-conception.html

More in Fredericksburg, Texas

The old pioneer "Society Church" in the city center

Cross Mountain

"New" Saint Mary's

Visit Die Alte Kirche

The little stone church is located in Fredericksburg Texas, just next to the current building of the Saint Mary's congregation. You can find it at 304 W San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, United States