Danevang in Wharton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Danevang Lutheran Church
"A Community Church for Those Near and Far."
The end of World War II heralded the termination of Camp Hulen as a training base since Fort Bliss, Texas took over as the anti-aircraft artillery center. Along with many other buildings, the church became surplus to the needs of the army and was offered for sale. This same situation developed in many other bases across the United States.
Coincidentally, the Ansgar Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was consecrated adjacent to this site in 1909, was totally destroyed by a hurricane on August 17, 1945 -- interestingly the same year that saw the termination of World War II.
One can only conjecture at the timing of these two separate but allied incidents. This chapel needed a home and the Danevang community needed a church. The upshot of it all was a decision to purchase this church and move it to its present site before you. It was dedicated on December 14, 1947.
The movement of the church to this site was not accomplished overnight. It was disassembled in part and moved twenty-five miles north to Danevang where it was reassembled on its present site. The bell, which hung in the original church and which was rung at sunrise and sundown daily, survived the hurricane and lives on in the steeple above you. Likewise, other artifacts, such as the painting of St. Angar baptizing a child and the altar table which were salvaged from the wreckage, reside in the church today.
Thus, the church before you has become a full fledged member of the Danevang community and continues to provide the glue which has held the community together since 1894.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 29° 2.612′ N, 96° 12.225′ W. Marker is in Danevang, Texas, in Wharton County. Marker is on County Road 426, 0.3 miles east of State Highway 71, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 357 County Road 426, Danevang TX 77432, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Danevang Pioneer Monument (a few steps from this marker); Danevang Community Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Ansgar Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Danevang (approx. ¼ mile away); Clemville (approx. 5.1 miles away); Midfield Cemetery (approx. 6.7 miles away); Midfield Methodist Church (approx. 7.1 miles away); Deming’s Bridge Community (approx. 10.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danevang.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.