Attractions
125 years of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst
By Jessica Crabtree
Throughout history it is seen that a church became the center piece to any settlement or community. A church can be a binding piece to create unity, a safe-haven and shield from impending trials.
The county of Archer is made up of 925 square miles. Originating from farms and ranches, much of the county is still comprised of cattle ranchers, farmers and dairymen. From its commencement, the foresight of those at hand was to create a colony that assured dwellers be able to make a living and provide for their spiritual well being. The roots of St. Mary’s Catholic Church can be traced as far back as 1891 when a group of colonizers planted a cross with a second arm under the crossbeam with the word, “Windthorst” etched in the wood. Windthorst lies, for the most part, in Archer County, but with a small portion extending into Clay County. Windthorst received its name after a Catholic statesman in Germany, Ludwig Windthorst, opinion was the name may attract other German settlers.
As civilization began in early 1891, F.T. Ledergerber of St. Louis, M.O., along with Dorr Clark and Duncan C. Plumb of Clark and Plumb Pasture Company began negotiations with the Circle Ranch with intent to purchase some 75,000 acres of land where herds of Longhorn cattle once grazed.
Clark and Plumb acted as land developers well before their time. The acreage sat between the two counties, 20,000 in Clay County and the remainder in Archer. The proposal was to establish a colony. To do so, Ledergerber inserted in the contract that two competent priests were to evaluate the area because it was felt they would best know what was suitable for a farming community. If they gave their consent, the contract would progress, as it did.
Furthermore, the contract stipulated the land was reserved for Catholics of German descent. Early agreements state Clark and Plumb agreed to furnish the money for a church, rectory and a school.
For more pick up a copy of the May 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst, Texas. (Photos by Jessica Crabtree)
Mary’s grotto on Saint Mary’s grounds.
Saint Isidore the Farm Labourer.
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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