Near New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Walzem Chapel
Johann and his sons built the chapel (also known as St. John Chapel) located on an acre plot in the north end of their original 160 acre tract. Legend has it that after working for several years, Mr. Walzem visited his homeland and upon returning to Texas, built the chapel in Thanksgiving for a safe trip. The chapel is also mistakenly referred to as "Walzem Mission," due to its location in the community. A stone at the top of the entrance to the chapel is marked "1870," indicating the completion date. The walls were made of limestone locally quarried and cut by Johann and his sons with mortar from a local kiln, demonstrating pioneers' ability to survive in the wilderness.
Johann gave the land and chapel to the Right Reverend Bishop C.M. Dubois of the Catholic Church in 1871 and it eventually was purchased by a developer. The homeowners of the subdivision now care for the chapel and property. While the stone walls of the chapel are all that remain, a reminder of the challenges and isolation of the early frontier still linger.
Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17815.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 29° 43.884′ N, 98° 12.063′ W. Marker is near New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is at the intersection of La Bahia Loop and Soledad Lane, on the left when traveling west on La Bahia Loop. The marker and chapel ruins are located in a small subdivision park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 La Bahia Loop, New Braunfels TX 78132, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. New Braunfels Schuetzen Verein (approx. 2.3 miles away); Approximate Site of Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (approx. 2.7 miles away); Slumber Falls (approx. 3.8 miles away); Comal Springs (approx. 4 miles away); Site of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Mission (approx. 4 miles away); This Monument Marks the Location (approx. 4 miles away); Prehistoric Life at Comal Springs (approx. 4 miles away); Mayors' Monarch Pledge (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.
Also see . . . Walzem Chapel. Comal County Texas (Submitted on November 20, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 20, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.