The 410-Year-Old Brethren Hymnal Donated to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) recently received a remarkable and deeply meaningful artifact: a Brethren hymnal, or Kancional, printed in 1615. This extraordinary donation, gifted by Barbara Jecmenek Gaston on September 13, 2025, represents over four centuries of faith, perseverance, and cultural continuity that resonates profoundly with the Czech community in Texas.

The Legacy of the 1615 Kancional

This hymnal is not just an old book; it is a symbol of resilience. Originating from the Unity of the Brethren in Moravia, the Kancional was a vital spiritual lifeline during a time of intense religious oppression. For many years, Protestant communities in Czech lands faced persecution under Catholic domination. Owning or even possessing such hymnals was dangerous—these books were often burned, and their owners faced severe consequences, including execution.

The survival of this particular hymnal is a testament to the courage and devotion of the families who safeguarded their faith through generations, even at great personal risk.

The Journey from Moravia to Texas

The hymnal’s journey to Texas began in 1873 when Jan and Marie Hribek Bubela, the donor’s third great-grandparents, immigrated from Vsetin, Czechoslovakia. They settled in the Fayetteville area and used the Kancional for worship in their home, continuing the traditions of their ancestors.

In 1874, the Czech Moravian Brethren Church at Ross Prairie was completed—a historic church that still stands today as a symbol of enduring faith. Barbara’s father was baptized there in 1907 by Reverend Jindrich (Henry) Juren, further connecting the family’s spiritual heritage to the local community.

Plans for Public Display

The Kancional will be preserved and eventually displayed in the newest addition to the Czech Village at the Heritage Center—a Brethren church currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2027. This dedicated space will provide the perfect context to share the hymnal’s story and honor those who relied on it as a source of faith and cultural identity.

Words from the Donor

Barbara Jecmenek Gaston expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the donation:

“I am honored to donate this Brethren song book, a Kancional, to the Texas Czech Historical and Cultural Center in memory of my parents, Ruby Muenzler and Richard Arnold Jecmenek. It was printed in 1615, and was owned by my ancestors who were members of the Unity of the Brethren in Moravia. It was instrumental in keeping their Protestant faith alive throughout the many years of Catholic domination in which Protestants were persecuted. These books were burned when found, and often the persons who possessed them were executed.

My third great grandparents, Jan and Marie Hribek Bubela brought the Kancional from Vsetin, Czechoslavia, to Texas when they immigrated in 1873. They settled in the Fayetteville area and used it during communal worship in their homes. In 1874 the community of believers completed the building of the present day Czech Moravian Brethren Church at Ross Prairie. My father was baptized in that church in 1907 by the Reverend Jindrich (Henry) Juren.

It is time for the legacy of this precious book to be recognized for its significance in preserving Czech culture and language and, most importantly, the Brethren faith.”

A Testament to Czech Heritage

This generous donation enriches the mission of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center by preserving an irreplaceable artifact that embodies the spirit of Czech faith and culture. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by early Czech immigrants and their descendants to maintain their religious and cultural identity in the face of adversity.

By sharing this story and preserving the Kancional, the TCHCC ensures that the legacy of the Brethren faith and Czech heritage will continue to inspire future generations in Texas and beyond.

Stay Connected

We invite everyone to visit the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center to learn more about this incredible artifact and the rich history it represents. The upcoming Brethren church addition will offer a unique opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the Czech community in a meaningful and immersive way.

For more information and updates on the Brethren church project and other cultural events, please visit the TCHCC website and follow us on social media.

Images:

  • The 1615 Brethren Hymnal
  • TCHCC staff examining the hymnal
  • The historic Czech Moravian Brethren Church at Ross Prairie

This donation is a proud chapter in the ongoing story of Czech heritage in Texas, a story of faith, endurance, and community that continues to thrive today.