Fayetteville, Fayette County
The Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, known in English as the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST), is a fraternal organization founded by Czech-Texans in 1896 at the Fayette County courthouse in La Grange. For more than 50 years, its headquarters were here in Fayetteville, largely through the influence of SPJST secretary J.R. Kubena, a central figure in the organization. In 1953, the SPJST moved the home office to Temple. Through the years, membership has grown steadily. Today, the SPJST continues to contribute to Texas communities by promoting Czech heritage, community service, youth programs and scholarships, and by providing life insurance for its members. (2007)