Immanuel Lutheran Church and Cemetery Pflugerville, Texas

Pflugerville truly a hidden gem of the Austin Metro area. Any local knows about this bedroom community, and they've most likely seen the "Pf" stickers on the cars of its residents around town. However many have not been there, or at least explored it fully if they have. There are scenic trails throughout the city, beautiful parks, a great little downtown district, cool "pfestivals" throughout the year, and some wonderful old architecture.  In fact, it was to one of these architectural destinations I visited recently. The Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church is next to old downtown Pflugerville.  It has been recognized by the Texas Historical Commission as a historical building and was built as a spire framed sanctuary in 1875. William Bohls, a wealthy landowner, donated five acres of land for the church building and cemetery. In 1909 a brick building was built in place of the original structure but burned down. The current church was constructed soon after and is still in use to this day.

The Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church located in Pflugerville, Texas.

Another view of the church.  The cemetery is off to the left.

Looking up at the front of the church.

Close up detail of the stained glass windows on the front doors.

An early gate leading from the church to the cemetery.

The cemetery here is amazing.  The sites are largely made up of early settlers of Pflugerville -- many of whom still have ancestors that reside here -- and the burial sites date back to the 1870's.

An example of an early grave marker.  This lucky soul lived from 1809 through 1884, which was quite a feat back then.

The numerous grave sites of small children is a reminder of the tough life residents of Pflugerville had to endure in the early days of Central Texas. 

Little Leopold Hester born and died in 1880.

This little one didn't quite make it to her first birthday in 1904.

Many of the children, such as this baby boy, had elaborate headstones which featured a lamb, perhaps comforting and leading them to the afterlife.

This brave soul served in the Navy during World War II.  

A view of a row of plots in the cemetery with the church in the background.

I saw this family plot and thought it was most interesting.  Almost cute, actually--which is rare for a grave site. 

Another interesting site.  Irene F. Pfluger, female Postmaster.  I have a feeling the family name came into play at some point, but....you go girl!

A view of the church with the cemetery in the foreground.

Looking towards the front of the property.

And finally, a wide view of the cemetery and church with a field of wildflowers in the foreground.