Sacred Heart Catholic Church

The first Czechs in this area arrived about 1860. Father Joseph Chromcik became the first Catholic priest to organize worship services in Latium in 1873 in the home of settlers such as Martin Supak. This structure was erected in 1918 on land purchased from George and Anna Baron. Built by local contractor Linnus Pivonka, the $1700 church building was paid for in part by the Catholic Extension Society of Chicago, Illinois, and by parishioners. The structure has remained remarkably unchanged and continues to serve a predominately Czech community. It is a beautifully preserved vernacular interpretation of a Gothic revival church in a rural setting. Its narrow, pointed arched windows and projecting central tower typify the style and form. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999