New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Grotto

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Photographed by James Hulse, November 9, 2022

1. The Grotto Marker

Inscription. A major influenza epidemic spread across the United States in 1918 causing many deaths. Under the leadership of Father J.M.J. Wack (d. 1927), who served Saints Peter and Paul Church for 38 years, members constructed this grotto to commemorate an end to the disease-related deaths in the parish. Modeled after the Lourdes Grotto in southwestern France, it was built of native rock gathered from area ranches. Aided by parishioners, J.J. Scholz of Nebraska completed the stonework. The congregation dedicated the shrine during a celebration on June 29, 1921.

Erected 1980 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5348.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is June 29, 1921.

Location. 29° 42.209′ N, 98° 7.71′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. It can be reached from the intersection of North Castell Avenue and West Zink Street. The marker is located on the southern section of the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 386 North Castell Avenue, New Braunfels TX 78130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Church of Saints Peter and Paul (within shouting distance of this marker); 1915 New Braunfels Post Office

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(about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old New Braunfels High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); The New Braunfels Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of New Braunfels Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Louis Henne Co. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Old Schmitz Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); International & Great Northern Railroad in New Braunfels (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.

The Grotto and Marker in the church courtyard image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, November 9, 2022

2. The Grotto and Marker in the church courtyard

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, November 9, 2022

3. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 561 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.