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.
The Grotto. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. 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.
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.)
Location. 29° 42.209′ N, 98° 7.71′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker 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.
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 90 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
