Cleveland County herald., 1921-05-12
RUINED CHURCHES
 TO BE RESTORED
Ancient cathedraIs, Damaged During Mexican Revolutions,
 Will Be RehabIIitated.
MAHY USED AS BARRACKS
Unusual Fascination of Mexican Churches Lies in Their Mixed chiteeture-Tre Taken
 by SacrIeeious NandaIs.


 Monterey, Mex-Restoration of the church properties to the Catholic cler- BY by the Mexican government is tol be followed by general rehabli1ta-l tion of many edifices which were bad ly damaged during the long period of revolutions In many instances mag nificent churches were used as Dar- racks by soldiers Gold and silver or naments, rare paintings and other things of value were stolen by Sacrio legious vandals and probably will never be recovered.
 One of the things that impresses the visitor to Mexico most strongly is the number and beauty of the churches of the country, writes & Monterey correspondent of the New York Sun. In mining camps, vil- lages, haciendas, at every place, in fact, where there is human habitae tion, a church may be found. Some of the 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. OHe of the most beautiful and re- markable of the early Mexican churches is the one in the little min- ing village of Valenciana, in the noun tains of Guanajuato. This church was erected in 1765 at a cost of more than $1, 100000 by the count of Valen- 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. l Surrounding it and built into the hill are apartments which were formerly used as a convent and fortress, but which are now occupied as stores and dwellings. Near by has been erected a monument to the man who erected | the edifce. The narrow pathway to | the church leads to a broad flight of steps into the old churchyard, bright ly colored flowers and vine-hung trel lises.
 Entrance into the church is made through exquisitely carved doors set in richly ornamented walls. To the right is the sacristy, where are kept the magnificent baptismal font. sur mounted by a halo and a dove, all of gold; the vestments of gold em- broidered on rich cloth of satin and velvet in brilliant colors, numerous images of the saints. the virgin used in the various calendar celebrations and an immense crucifix. These are all kept in large closets which are readily opened for the inspection of visitors.
 Certain Rare Paintings.
 In the church proper is a magnifi- cent altar of immense size and re- markable beauty, richly ornamented with elaborate fretwork and exquisite carving. The pulpit is entirely of in- laid mosaicS of curious pattern. Large, goid-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 set of antique draw ing room furniture of rosewood and 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 unusual beauty and richness In this room are hung many small artificial arms, legs, hearts and other members of 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 a priceless set of pearls, | including necklace, earrings and