Articles of Local Interest

REMEMBER GOLIAD, FOR A WEDDING TO REMEMBER!

By Edward D. Trlica


Imagine you, the bride and groom, preparing for the wedding march in the refurbished quarters of Spanish priests, where virtuous ghosts roam. Do you dream of a unique and unusual wedding that your friends will envy? Perhaps a ceremony held in a mission, where indigenous Indians once learned of Christianity or a wedding in a chapel where Texas heroes prayed and received Holy Communion? Would you like to have your wedding reception on the parade grounds of the new world’s oldest Spanish fort? All this is available in Goliad, Texas, where the Presidio La Bahia and Mission Espiritu Santo are located.

Mission Espiritu Santo

Franciscan missionaries organized the mission that would take the name of the bay upon the site it was located-La Bahia del Espiritu Santo (the Bay of the Holy Spirit). It moved twice before settling in the Goliad area, once within the present site of Victoria, Texas and later to a nearby spot known today as Mission Valley. Although prosperous at the Mission Valley location, in 1749, the mission and fort moved again. This time, the move was for a way to curve French and English expansion into the area. A new site was chosen on the San Antonio River where it could offer protection of the main roads leading from Mexico to both San Antonio and East Texas Missions.

Today, the restored Mission is part of the Goliad State Historical Park with adjoining sites and grounds that include campsites as well as the Fannin Memorials. The grounds also include a wildlife viewing area and part of a new “Hike and Bike Nature Trail.” On site Park Rangers oversee the maintenance of the Mission and grounds while receiving visitors throughout the year.

The chapel, now available for weddings, has kept much of its early ambience. Park Historian, Beth Ellis, talks about the Mission and its efforts in teaching Christianity to the aboriginals. She tells of how the statues and paintings, although reproductions, show the merging of different cultures. Special effort went into the reproductions using old manuscripts and inventories to assure accuracy. Spanish influence is obvious throughout the Mission in design and furnishings. Converted Indians inspired the vivid colors seen around the interior walls and altar while many of the statues are predominately Hispanic in appearance. An enclave on the south wall, aside from the expected statues and paintings, has a number of mirrors mounted on its backdrop. Ms Ellis explains the importance mirrors had to the early converts. Many of them believed they were seeing in their reflections their own souls. The chapel offers a beautiful setting for a wedding and one to remember.

For fees and reservations contact the Goliad State Historical Park, 108 Park Rd. 6, Goliad Texas 77963 or telephone (361) 645 3405. Due to the increasing number of spring weddings, Park officials ask that those wanting to book the chapel call for reservations as early in possible. All religious denominations are welcome.

Presidio La Bahia

A short distance up the road from the State Park is Presidio La Bahia. The fort, built as the protector of the Goliad crossroads and Mission Espiritu Santo, is also the site of the darkest day in Texas history. A few hundred yards outside the fort, Mexican soldiers carried out General Santa Anna’s order to have Colonel James Fannin and 341 men in his command executed. It is difficult to believe such an event took place here while appreciating the peaceful serenity of the fort and its courtyard. Gentle breezes bounce playfully around the courtyard before arching upward into the ancient bell tower. Hawks forever circle overhead, riding the air currents, until they disappear into the sun. All is calm with only the solemnity of the stone walls a reminder of the past.

The “Our Lady of Loreto” chapel, built for the soldiers of the fort, is simple in its design. It is the oldest building in the compound in continuous use since 1700. Corpus Christi artist, Antonio Garcia, did the fresco at the back of the altar in 1946. One cannot help but notice an oddity on the fresco. The angel Gabriel, as portrayed, has six toes. If you are lucky, you may meet the Director of the fort, who can tell you why. Within the Chapel walls, revolutionaries signed the first Declaration of Independence on December 20, 1835. Although technically not a mission, the chapel continued in use as a place of worship long after the Presidio fell into neglect and disrepair. Today, the chapel continues its existence as a place of worship.

The old priest’s quarters are now a modern and cozy two-bedroom suite, complete with sitting room, private bathroom and kitchenette. Ignore, if you can, the occasional apparition or the unexplained rocking of an empty chair. If you listen quietly, you may hear organ music and a soft voice singing in the museum. A stroll after dark may find you facing the woman in white searching frantically for unmarked graves in front of the chapel. These are amiable ghosts. The kind you will remember and tell stories of, thrilling grandchildren in years to come.

Presidio La Bahia is a self-sustaining private institution operated under the administration of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria. However, weddings sanctioned by other denominations are welcome. To make wedding arrangements, contact Mr. Newton Warzecha at Presidio La Bahia, PO Box 57, Goliad, Texas 77963 or telephone (361) 645 3752.

Goliad, Texas

A few miles from the mission and fort is the community of Goliad, Texas. Rich in history in its own right, the town maintains a historical district unequaled in South Texas. The Courthouse on the Square is undergoing renovation to bring it back to its original elevation. Built of stone, the courthouse is grand in appearance and commands respect from all that pass by. Quaint shops surround the historic square where antiques, Texas memorabilia, and bargains abound.

Goliad loves its trees. Early Town Fathers refused to cut down their trees while laying out city streets. Throughout the community, visitors will find their excursions interrupted by solitary trees entrenched within the pavement. Signs direct tourists on which side to drive when encountering century old oaks in the center of the road. The “Baptist Oak” said to be the spot where Goliad citizens came to organize the first Baptist Church west of the Guadalupe stands regally in the middle of Chilton Street, across from City Hall. The “tree in the middle of the road” phenomenon caused one visitor to comment, “why not have a bumper sticker that says, ‘In Goliad, we brake for trees”.

Newlyweds to be will find the Chamber of Commerce, located on the Courthouse Square, eager to provide them with information on catering and lodging. Two motels serve the area and local restaurants have private dining facilities for small to moderate size parties. Larger groups have quick access to additional facilities located in Victoria, a scant twenty-two miles away. You may contact the Goliad Chamber of Commerce by telephone at (361) 645 3563 or email: goliadcc@tisd.net. The web site of the Chamber www.goliadcc.org offers additional information on other attractions and seasonal events.

A wedding in Goliad can be more than just a wonderful wedding experience, but a treasure of memories unlike those found anywhere else.