Ah, romance! Whether it’s candlelit dinners, charming streets, or breathtaking views, some cities just have that magical, heart-fluttering quality.
Paris, Vienna, Florence, Bali, San Francisco, and, of course, East Bernard, Texas.
East Bernard
East Bernard is a city in Wharton County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,218 at the 2020 census. U.S. Highway 90 Alternate (US 90A) and Texas State Highway 60 (SH 60) intersect within the city limits. East Bernard has its own school district, two auto dealerships and a number of other businesses. The San Bernard River flows past the city’s eastern side.
Wikipedia
Note: in East Bernard’s country seat of Wharton, under notable people, there is a horse:
Dan Rather is also from Wharton.
Holy Cross Catholic Church
Tour Guide Elder G: Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard, Texas, has a rich history rooted in the early 20th century. In 1900, Catholic settlers initiated the establishment of a parish by purchasing cemetery property in East Bernard. The first church, a modest frame structure, was constructed in 1905 by Valentine Kozelsky on two acres of land donated by Jan and Anna Vacek. This initial building served the community’s spiritual needs and marked the beginning of a permanent Catholic presence in the area.
As the congregation grew, the need for a larger space became evident. In 1925, a new church building was erected, designed by Houston architect M.J. Sullivan in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. This structure featured a 70-foot belfry and was adorned with imported Czechoslovakian elements, including statues, painted copper wall hangings, and ten large stained glass windows of unique roundel design. The church’s distinctive architecture and cultural embellishments reflect the heritage of its founding members.
In addition to the church, a rectory was built in 1921 for the first permanent resident pastor, Rev. Joseph C. Kunc. The Holy Cross Catholic School was established in 1922, followed by the construction of a new school and convent in 1928, both mirroring the church’s architectural style. Although the school ceased operations in 1967, the church remains active and is recognized as the oldest Catholic church in continuous use in Wharton County.
Over the years, Holy Cross Catholic Church has undergone renovations to preserve its historical integrity. Notably, in 2020, the sanctuary was restored, including the installation of a new altar and reredos, as well as the addition of vibrant colors and designs to enhance the church’s interior.
Today, Holy Cross stands as a testament to the dedication and faith of its early parishioners, continuing to serve the East Bernard community while honoring its rich historical legacy.
Inscription (Texas Historical Marker)
Many Catholic Czechoslovakian immigrants settled in the prairies near East Bernard in the 1880s. Visiting priests served their religious needs. In 1900 the settlers began the establishment of a parish by purchasing cemetery property in East Bernard.
The first Holy Cross Church, a small frame structure, was built in 1905 by Valentine Kozelsky on two acres of land donated by Jan and Anna Vacek. A rectory was built in 1921 for the first permanent resident pastor, the Rev. Joseph C. Kunc. The Holy Cross Catholic school was organized in 1922. A new church building was constructed in 1925 by R. H. Reese of Eagle Lake. Houston architect M. J. Sullivan designed the Spanish Colonial revival structure. It featured a 70-foot belfry and imported Czechoslovakian adornments including statues, painted copper wall hangings, and 10 large, unique stained glass windows of Roundel design. A new school and convent were built in 1928 in the same architectural style. The school operated until 1967. The Pioneer Chapel, a model of the original church, was built in 1994. Holy Cross Catholic Church is now the oldest Catholic church in continuous use in Wharton County.
Historical Marker Database
Getting There
East Bernard has been added to the official list of WLBOTT Destination Sites, and is under consideration for the 2025 WLBOTT Conclave.
Unfortunately for our newest Elder, Elder M, there are currently no direct flights from Buenes Aires to East Bernard. We recommend flying into Houston, and our corporate helicopter will take you to The Cricket Fields.
For the other Elders, simply follow the map:
We will feature a walking tour of downtown East Bernard. The tour includes:
- Vincek’s Smokehouse
- Holy Cross Catholic Church
- The Holy Cross Catholic Church Parking Lot
- Mid Coast Propane
- Savon Drugs
- Highway Country Kitchen
and concludes at the
- Dollar General
Also on the tour is the Stars Cricket Ground, just a few miles from downtown East Bernard.
The Holy Cross Convent
Tour Guide Elder G: The convent associated with Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard, Texas, was constructed in 1928, three years after the current church building was completed in 1925. Designed in the same Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style as the church, the convent served as a residence for the religious sisters who staffed the Holy Cross Catholic School. The school, established in 1922, operated until 1967, providing education to the local community for 45 years. While the school is no longer in operation, the convent remains a significant part of the church’s historical complex, reflecting the dedication of the early parish community to faith and education.
