Across the highway from the ranch, Santa Maria ranch owner L. J. Hynes donated land in 1880 for a church to serve his workers and those from nearby ranches. Derived from plans by Oblate architect-priest Kéralum, the church is built of buff brick fired at the ranch. The cruciform-plan Gothic Revival church, with shallow buttresses and pinnacles at its central tower, is similar to one demolished in Rio Grande City. Raised gabled parapets with ornamental brickwork frame its nave, while its stark interior includes plastered walls and original furnishings.
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Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church
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