TCHCC Hosts Sneak Peek of New Chapel

Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) hosted a private viewing at the new St. Mary Magdalene Chapel on the grounds of the Center near the Fayette County Fairgrounds last Sunday, March 12.

The Chapel is nearly complete. TCHCC President Retta Chandler said a few religious items such as the Stations of the Cross and statuary still need to be installed. Chandler said the Center will host a public grand opening at a later date.

The chapel’s benefactor, Benjamin Koliba of Cuero, wanted to fashion a chapel in Texas to honor his ancestors from the village of Mnisi in the Czech Republic. The patron saint of Mnisi is Mary Magdalene, and a church there is dedicated in her honor.

Weaver and Jacobs Construction Company built the chapel. Local artisans George Kalisek and Junior Chaloupka crafted the chapel’s exquisite altarpiece.

At the event last Sunday, Chandler spoke about Koliba’s work to build the chapel and the history of Mnisi. Several prominent early Czechs came from that village including Jakub Holub, an early settler of Praha, and Valentine Haidušek, the father of Augustine Haidušek, who served as a state legislator and Fayette County Judge in the late 19th century.