The Vereins Kirche features the history of the building in a permanent exhibit that begins with German immigrants’ trip to Texas in the 1840s. In January 1934, GCHS was formed to rebuild the Vereins Kirche. Since then, it has continued to preserve the history and culture of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County through exhibits and educational programs, and outreach. The building last underwent extensive restoration in 2019.
HISTORY
The original Vereins Kirche served as the town’s first church, school and public meeting place, in addition to being a lookout building for protection against invaders.
The replica of the Vereins Kirche has been used as a library, home to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, a one-day post office and a museum.
The original Vereins Kirche was used primarily as a church and school for Catholic and Evangelical Protestants.
School districts were created in Gillespie County in the 1850s and students stopped using the Vereins Kirche. As with the schools, church congregations began building their own churches in town and slowly leaving the Vereins Kirche empty most days.
By the town’s 50th anniversary in 1896, the stone walls were removed to make the Vereins Kirche a pavilion for the celebration. The building was torn down in 1897 after it fell into disrepair. For many years, local citizens had the vision of building a replica of the Vereins Kirche.
In 1934, GCHS received its charter and began working to rebuild the Vereins Kirche as a pioneer memorial.
Fundraising by citizens and help from the New Deal Public Works Administration supported the construction of the Vereins Kirche. A celebration was held in May 1935 and the Vereins Kirche Pioneer Memorial officially opened.
The first use of the new Vereins Kirche was to house Pioneer Memorial Library and a small historical museum. The first exhibits included memorabilia and collectibles from early pioneer days.
When the Gillespie County Historical Society purchased the Kammlah Homestead in 1955, most of its artifacts were moved and displayed in the Kammlah House. A small exhibit space remained in the Vereins Kirche.
In 1967, after the second courthouse had been refurbished by Eugene and Margaret McDermott of Dallas, Pioneer Memorial Library left the Vereins Kirche and took up residence in the McDermott Building, where it remains today.
For a few years, part of the Vereins Kirche was home to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, with GCHS exhibit space occupying some of the building. It was during this time that the GCHS began archiving and organizing its collection.
When the Chamber moved out of the Vereins Kirche, the space became an area for the GCHS Archives and Collections (now located at the GCHS offices in the historic First Methodist Church at 312 West San Antonio Street).
Hours of Operation
The Vereins Kirche is open six days a week, year-round, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed on Sundays.
There is an admission fee of $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Vereins Kirche or at Pioneer Museum, 325 West Main Street.
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