Beautiful Historical Tour: St. Mary's Church, Altus, AR (CR)
Tours & Day Trips | Registration opens Sunday, August 16, 2026 2:00 PM
Experience a guided tour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help—St. Mary’s—an architectural gem dedicated in 1902 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overlooking the Arkansas River Valley, the church features stunning gold-leaf murals by Fridolin Fuchs and brilliant stained-glass windows crafted by Emil Frei of St. Louis and the Art Glass Company of Cincinnati.
The tour includes the historic J.G. Pfeffer organ, a rare reverse-console tracker instrument installed in 1925. A live demonstration by Amy Post Sexton showcases its distinctive sound and connects the music to the region’s Swiss, German, and Slavic immigrant heritage. Participants will learn how the church’s story intersects with Arkansas railroads, mining towns, and early winemaking traditions.
Tour time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm / Travel time add 1.5 hrs.
Lunch afterward will be on participants’ own.
Activity Level: 1
This option is the Commuter Rate (CR) option.
This program meets in person. Participants will drive themselves (commuter rate) to the program location or may elect to meet the transportation group (details to be provided) and follow the van to the destination. This is highly encouraged. Meeting details will be sent in the program reminder.
Destination Location Address: 5118 St Mary's Ln, Altus, AR 72821
St. Mary's Catholic Church, Altus, AR
Optional Meeting Location (to follow van): OLLI HQ, 481 S. Shiloh Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72704
OLLI HQ