Panna Maria

This is the sign one sees when is traveling on Texas State Highway 123 as you approach the road to Panna Maria (Highway 81).

Only a short distance from the main road, one encounters a silo with the message: "Vitamy, Panna Maria, Texas, Home of the Immaculate Conception."

At the "outskirts" of the community, one sees ruins of stone buildings constructed as were those of the immigrants from Poland knew back in the "old county."

This is a more recent building constructed of wood and sheet metal. Narrow strips of sheet metal have been cut and nailed over the junctures between the boards.

This is the front view of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. The oldest Polish parish in America. The historical marker states that the first Mass was offered on December 24, 1854, at an alter under the oak trees. The first building was erected in 1855. This church with its 100-foot tower was built in 1937 and remodeled in 1937.

The corner stone located at the right front of the Catholic Church.

Above, oaks next to the Church. Below, a close-up view of the massive bole.

Town marker on the grounds of the Catholic Church. The text reads: Town of Panna Maria: Oldest Polish settlement in Texas. Established December 24, 1854, by the Reverend Leopold Mozygemba, O.F.M., who was instrumental in bringing from Poland about 100 Polish peasant families. Within a few months the majoritysought homes in other localities in Texas.

In the Church yard and between two large cedar trees stands this monument to Father Leopold Moczygema. The text reads as follows: "Father Leopold Moczygemba, 1824 - 1891, Patriarch of American Polonia. Reverend Father Leopold Bonaventura Maria Moczygemba pioneered settlement of Polish immigrants to the United States. He founded Panna Maria, first Polish colony in America, December 24, 1854. Established in this community America's first Polish Church and served as its pastor until October 1856. He continued his work as pioneer, missionary, educator, and leader.

Also on Church grounds is this statue of Saint Isidore, the Patron Saint of Farmers. Although this part of Texas is lovely to view, it can be difficult to farm. A significant amount of land in this area has been placed into ranching.

This building now serves as the Post Office for the community. A historical a marker on the front explains its history: It was built in 1855 and used as a storeroom for the landlord's share of Panna Maria crops. The landlord, John Twohig, a devout Catholic, set aside one room of store for the church and school. The store has been owned and operated by the Snoga family since 1918.

This is the front of Pilarczyk Store. It was built 1875; is the second oldest store in Panna Maria; and, still has original rafters and floors. The lime for mortaring stones (visible on back and sides) was fired in home kilns. The store was bought by Victor Pilarczyk, 1913. The first gas pump was installed 1919.

The community hall. Behind it are a large number of barbeque pits.

Another old stone building constructed on the old Polish design. A sheet metal roof with porch overhand has been added.

Just down a county road is the town cemetery.

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