Cleveland County herald., 1921-05-19
RUINED CHURCHES
 TO BE RESTORED
Ancient CathedraIs, Damaged During Mexican Revolutions,
 Will Be RehahiItated.
MANY USED AS BARRACKS
Unusual Fascination of Mexican Churches Lies in Their Mixed Architscture-Treas Taken
 by sacrileeious Vandals.

Monterey, Mex.-Restoratio of the church properties to the Catholic cler- gy by the Mexican government is to be followed by general rehabilita- ly damaged during the long period of revolutions. In many instances mag uiff ent churches were used as bar .aeks by soldiers. Gold and silver or nalnents, rare paintings and other 6hiHgs of value were stolen by sacri i2gious vandals and probably will never be recovered.
 One of the things that impresses t.le visitor to Mexico most strongly is he number and beauty of the churches of the country, writes a Monterey correspondent of the New York Sun. In mining camps, vii. lages, haciendas, at every place, ir fact. where there is human habita, ton, a church may be found. Some of tBe older buildings erected in the early days of Spanish control are in ruins. but many remain intact and are still in use.
 It has been said that the unusual fascination of Mexican churches lies in their mixed architecture, the Chris tian spire, the Moorish dome, the h. dian facades, the Saracenic coloring and, added to this, the fact that the workmen employed by the Spanish artists and architects were Indians, who left the impress of their own peculiar handiwork in these ancient buildings.
 A Remarkable Church.
 One of the most beautiful and re- markable of the early Mexican churches is the one in the little min ing village of Valepciana, in the noun tains of Guanajuato. This church was erected in 1765 at cost of more than $1.O00,000 by the count of Yalen ciana, who at that time was said to be the richest man in the world.
 On the top of the hill on which the village is built stands the big church Surrounding it and built into the hill are apartments which were formerly l used as a convent and fortress, but i which are now occupied as stores and dwellings. Near by has been erected 1 a monument to the man who erected the edifice. The narrow pathway to the church leads to broad flight of steps into the old churchyard, bright ] ly colored flowers and vine hung trel lises.
 Entrance into the church is mad, through eXquisitely carved doors SC in richly ornamented walls To th( right is the sacristy, where are kep the magnificent baptismal font, sur mounted by halo and a dove, al of gold; the vestments of gold em broidered on rich cloth of satin an6 velvet in brilliant colors, numerous images of the saints, the virgin useG in the various calendar celebrations and an immense crucifiX. These are all kept in large closets which are readily opened for the inspection O1 visitors.
 Certain Rare Paintings.
 In the church proper is a magni1 cent altar of immense size and re markable beauty, richly Ornamentec with elaborate fretwork and exquisite carving. The pulpit is entirely of in laid mosaics of curious pattern. Large i gold framed mirrors and rare paint ings adorn the walls. Many of the paintings depict scenes from the life of Christ and the lives of the saints One of the handsomest of the DOT traits is that of San Cayetano, pa tron saint of Guanajuato. Along the sides are to be found old wardrobes of chests and a set of antique draw ing room furniture of rosewood anG mahogany of rare and wonderful de sign, imported from Spain.
 One of the most interesting features of the church is the miracle chapel where there is an altar of unusua beauty and richness. In this room are hung many small artificial arms legs, hearts and other members o1 the body, with inscriptions attesting the miracles performed by the Virgin who, it is believed by the devout folk of the community, dwells there. The Virgins image under a glass case, is adorned with priceless set of pearls including necklace, earrings and l bracelets.