7 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Texas

Texas doesn’t have a shortage of churches. You can find them on nearly every corner, regardless of where you drive. Some of the oldest churches are over a century old! Churches and cathedrals are beautiful. They have unique architecture. Some even have stained glass windows. If you’re interested in visiting aesthetic churches in Texas, here we have the 7 most beautiful and awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals.

1. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

The first church on our list is St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. It’s a Roman Catholic church located downtown. This old, but beautiful church was first built in 1868. The builders completed it in 1871. The St. Joseph’s Catholic Church served the German immigrant community for decades. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church features a steeple and stained glass windows, added in 1902. It’s part of the Alamo Plaza Historic District.

2. Cathedral of San Fernando

Another beautiful church and cathedral in Texas is the Cathedral of San Fernando, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe. It is the oldest church in Texas and one of the oldest in the United States. The Cathedral of San Fernando is located in San Antonio. It was first built in 1738, however, a lot has changed about the building. Now only the walls of the church are originally from 1738. The church was enlarged in 1868. This lovely gothic-style church also has stained glass windows, which were added in 1920. The church was carefully restored in 2003. It’s been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since February 25, 1975.

3. St. Patrick Cathedral

The next beautiful church on our list is the Saint Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas. The architect of this jaw-dropping cathedral was James J. Kane. It was built in 1888 and sits on an acre of land. The building is beautiful and combines Gothic Revival, Prairie Style, and Second Empire. It looks like something that belongs in a movie! The producers filmed a scene in the film Problem Child in the cathedral. The church is still active and hosts regular Catholic church services. Mass is also available in Spanish.

4. Little Chapel in the Woods

The Little Chapel in the Woods is a small, but inviting and warm chapel in Denton, Texas. This chapel is within the Texas Woman’s University. Although a campus chapel, it’s a popular wedding venue. Over 100 weddings have taken place inside the church. The Little Chapel in the Woods was built during the Great Depression. It was designed by O’Neill Ford, Arch B. Swank Jr., and Preston Geren Sr. O’Neil Ford was an excellent designer who also participated in the design and creation of multiple buildings in the Selwyn School. The design though of the Little Chapel in the Woods was a group project. Over 300 fine art students designed the building, including notable artwork.

Many people who visit this local chapel are blown away by the intricate stained glass windows. The panels for the church follow the theme of “Women Ministering to Human Needs.” Each woman in the window represents a different profession.

5. Dallas Baptist University Pilgrim Chapel

The Dallas Baptist University Pilgrim Chapel is another beautiful church in Texas. It’s located in Dallas in the Dallas Baptist University. The Pilgrim Chapel is spacious and active. The outside of the building is almost entirely white. It’s easy to identify because of its colonial-style design and tall white tower.

6. St. Mary Catholic Church

Another church on our list of beautiful churches and cathedrals in Texas is Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. It’s located on church street in Victoria. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church is stunning and looks like something out of an old movie, however, it was only constructed in 1903. The architectural style is Gothic Revival, a popular style on this list. Fun fact, it’s also the second-oldest Roman Catholic church in Texas!

7. Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Last but not least is the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. It’s a historic Lutheran church that’s been on the National Register of Historic Places since August 25, 1970. The church sits on about 0.2 acres of land. It was built in 1882 and 1883. The foundation of the building is made of limestone. The architectural style is Gothic Revival, a popular church style. August Swenson designed the church and Fredric Reichow built it alongside contractor S. A. Carlson.

Summary of 7 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Texas

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