On Old Santa Fe Trail, just south of DeVargas Street, sits the San Miguel Church, also known as the Mission Church. This past year the Church has begun a renovation—much of it done by volunteers. Currently volunteers are making adobe bricks and also putting clay on walls—not the easiest job in 90 plus degrees, as my husband can tell you. Each brick consists of sand and straw, mixed to just the right proportions with water. Then the adobe is hauled in wheelbarrows to the adobe forms. There the adobe is pressed in, all by hand of course, and checked for any gaps. After the first drying, the brinks must be inspected for cracks, and if okay, are turned over to dry evenly. Oh, did I tell you each brick weighs about 40 lbs?Coordinated by Cornerstones Community Partnerships, they work to preserve architectural heritage of community traditions in New Mexico and the Southwest. If you haven’t visited the Church, take time this summer for a tour. Often Brother Lester will be there to tell you of all the historical artifacts on the walls and altar and the ghosts that have been observed. A beam in the ceiling is carved with the date of 1598.
Better, sign up for a stint helping to preserve this amazing Mission—they have volunteers in their teens to seniors, so you have no excuse. And if you've ever wanted to learn how to make adobe bricks, this is your opportunity! Be a part of history — volunteer.
Photo on top: volunteer on scaffold - - Photo on bottom: Interior from 1880
by PCH @Main
Photos courtesy of Cornerstones Community Partnerships
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