Meet M & S Cousins

Phil (Sonny) Marraccini
Co-Owner

Patty Marraccini
Co-Owner

Joseph Svrcek
Co-Owner

Lily Svrcek
Co-Owner

In May 2023, operating under M & S Cousins LLC, a multi-phase mission began…

  1. Save the church and facility from deterioration and eventual destruction so its rich history can be enjoyed by the community into the next century.

  2. To develop this Landmark gem into a venue plus cultural center for concerts, theater and other functions to further stimulate the economy of Omaha, Texas.

  3. With the completion of phase 1 and the addition of a First-Class Venue, we have had 3 successful test events. The first was a Teacher’s Retirement Meeting followed by the 50th Class Reunion from Paul Pewitt High School. On July 17, 2024, the Morris County Collaborative held an all-day conference.

  • Hogg Foundation for Mental Health All Grantee Conference

IT STARTED WITH ONE PICTURE

In early May 2023, Lily and Joe Svrcek sent ONE picture of the soon to be 100-Year-Old United Methodist Church of Omaha, Texas to their Florida cousins, Phil (Sonny) and Patty Marraccini. That’s all it took to start the wheel of dreams for this iconic Landmark. First idea was to save the buildings for generations to come, never thinking of the tremendous amount of work and cost that would be involved.  Completely overlooked was a plan on how to generate enough funding to complete renovations. Understand, at this point, future use of this 9,600 sq ft building was still undetermined.     

While tearing out walls in the old social hall, one of us came up with the idea of a classic venue for parties and events.  This proved to be our focal point till completed in late June 2024.  Attentions turned to redesigning the large kitchen which is almost done.

UPCOMING MODIFICATIONS

Knowing another church is not needed in Omaha, Texas, the main church will retain its spiritual dimension but with slight modifications making it user friendly for concerts, plays and other community activities. However, the church will maintain its historic beauty for weddings.  

The school addition of 1957 added 8 rooms and a chapel which we hope to convert into theme bedrooms for functions requiring overnight stays.  In addition, there are many other rooms that uses are yet to be determined with the exception of one to be used as a museum. Thus, relics and the history of the church and community will be preserved.

These ideas will come at a cost as items such as air conditioner replacement and bathroom modifications for showers are added to the list of needs.

THE DREAM FOR THE COMMUNITY

We believe this project started by 4 cousins under the name of M & S Cousins will be the cornerstone for the redevelopment of downtown Omaha.  Economic signs are beginning to appear with our first 4 functions as local businesses have provided catering and other food specialties for our guests.  

Our group of cousins range from 78 years old down to our youngest at 66 proving it is never too late for dreamers to take action.

We ask you to contact us and take a personal tour!