This town was settled by the Wends, Germans of Slavic descent, who came to Texas in the 1850s and brought with them the Gothic architecture of their homeland. From 1865 to 1890 this was a thriving town, boasting dry goods, jewelry, drug, and music stores, three doctors, and two dentists. When Serbin was bypassed by the railroad, it quickly declined.
Serbin’s one of those towns you have to be going to to run across; it’s not on a major road. From Giddings, turn south on US 77, then south again on FM 448, continuing on for five miles. At the intersection of FM 2239, turn right and continue two miles.
Attractions
St. Paul Lutheran Church. (photo, top of page) The historic St. Paul Lutheran Church, a smaller version of the elaborate German cathedrals of the 18th and 19th centuries, was built in 1859 of native sandstone. To replicate marble, the parishioners painted the plaster walls with turkey feather brushes. This church once had a very unusual seating arrangement: Men sat in the balcony across from the pulpit, women and children took the pews on the floor. Located at Off FM 2239. [For more painted churches, see Schulenburg]
Texas Wendish Heritage Museum.(photo, right) You’ll find antique furniture and household items as well as photos of the early days in this local history museum. Located off FM 2239, down the road from the St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Festivals
MAY:
Serbin Homecoming Picnic. A day of barbecue and catching up with friends and relatives is a tradition here. St. Paul picnic grounds and the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum, off FM 2239.
SEPTEMBER:
Wendish Fest. This annual celebration includes a service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, live entertainment a picnic and food booths, exhibitions of traditional Wendish crafts such as quilting and lace making, and children’s activities. St. Paul picnic grounds and the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum, off FM 2239.