Great Church Stained Glass of Texas : Annunciation Church

Perhaps some of the most famous stained glass windows are those in various churches and temples around the world. This religious stained glass has a deep and meaningful history and is often incredibly beautiful and intricate in its design. But did you know that some of the most amazing church stained glass is located in Texas? That’s why we’ve decided to write this series of articles on the incredible stained glass windows in Texas churches, temples, synagogues, and other sites of worship. This post will be the first of many more to come dedicated to sharing the story of this wonderful art.

The Annunciation Church in Houston, Texas

The Annunciation Church is a Catholic church located in downtown Houston, Texas. Today it holds the title as the oldest church in Houston. It came about as the result of an outgrowth of the first church in Houston, St. Vincent’s. The construction of the church began in 1867 and was completed in 1873. Later on, the sacristy and steeple were erected between the years of 1881-1884. Other additions included a bell tower and new entrance designed in a European Gothic style.

The Annunciation features several prominent architectural features. In 1897, marble altars from Tennessee were created and installed in the chapel. A stained glass rose window was placed above the alter. Then later in the year 1900, a hurricane destroyed St. Joseph’s church and among the destruction the original bell for St. Vincent’s was found. The bell was transported to the Annunciation and put on display in the church’s vestibule. In 1921, a Henry Pichler organ was installed. Even today, the Pichler Opus 1206 is regarded as one of Houston’s most distinct church organs.

The Annunciation contains some of the most impressive stained glass windows in all of Texas. These beautiful works of religious art are incredibly detailed and intricate in their design. They movingly depict various religious scenes and figures, creating an ambience for the church that’s very similar to an ancient Roman cathedral. Therefore, walking the halls and rooms of the church is like stepping back into an incredibly sacred time in history.

Martin Faith

Martin Faith is the founder and owner of Houston Stained Glass. Martin has been cultivating his skills as a stained glass artisan for over 30 years, passing on his knowledge and expertise to his team so that, together, they can create the most beautiful stained glass windows the world has ever seen. Martin's initial education in the trade took place in Glasgow, Scotland, the stained glass capitol of the world. He is an expert in the history of stained glass, its evolution, methods for conservation, and its many different styles and forms, including art deco, prairie, Greene & Greene, art nouveau, Mackintosh, floral, mission, beveled, and contemporary. Over the years, Martin's company has produced thousands of stained glass windows, which includes custom creations made for homes, churches, and commercial buildings located all throughout the Houston metro area.