LINDSAY, TEXAS

Cooke County, Central Texas North

33°38'N 97°13'W (33.6363, -97.2213)

US Hwy 82
5 miles W of Gainesville the county seat
9 miles E of Muenster
Population: 1,113 Est. (2018)
1,018 (2010) 788 (2000) 610 (1990)

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Saint Peter's Catholic Church

Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson

History in a Pecan Shell

The town was named for Judge J. M. Lindsay when it became a switching station in 1887 on the Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railroad. Anton and August Flusche arrived on the scene and wanted to promote the town as a German-Catholic colony. In 1891 the brothers acquired 9,300 acres alongside the railroad for settlement.

The townsite was platted for farms in the spring of 1891 and the first Lindsayans started arriving that Fall. In January of 1892 the first colony meeting was held with eleven men present - each representing a separate family.

On March 25, 1892, Father Hugo Bardenhewer held the first Mass in Lindsay in the home of William Flusche. This date is now regarded as the town's "birthday." Judge Lindsay donated about eight acres to the Diocese of Dallas for a church, school, and cemetery. Rev. Joseph Blum of Muenster chose the location for a church and a 20 x 50 building was constructed at a cost of $800 - paid for by the Brothers Flusche, Judge Lindsay and people from Gainesville.

St. Peter's Catholic Church tower, Lindsay, Texas painted church

Saint Peter's Catholic Church painted interior

Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, January 2004

The frame church was replaced in 1903 by a brick building, but this was destroyed by a tornado 14 years later. A replacement was built in October of 1919 - which is shown above.

A parochial school operated by the Sisters of Divine Providence opened in October of 1893 with an enrollment of sixty. In 1932 the school became public.

Lindsay incorporated in late 1959, and in early 1960 alcoholic beverages were permitted to be sold within the city limits. In the 1980s the population was nearing 600 - most of whom were descended from the original colonists. The population has since increased to it's present 778.

St. Peter's Catholic Church prayer chapel, Lindsay, Texas

The Prayer Chapel

Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson

See
Lindsay's Painted Church - Saint Peter's Catholic Church ›

Take a road trip

Lindsay, Texas Nearby Towns:
Gainesville the county seat

See Cooke County

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