Cleveland County herald., 1921-05-26
RUINED CHURCHES
 TO BE RESTORED
Ancient CathedraIs, Damaged During Mexican Revolutions,
 Will Be RehabiIitated.
MANY USED AS BARRACKS
Unusual Fascination of Mexican Churches Lies in Their Mixed Architecture-Treasures Taken
 by Sacrilegious Vandals.

by SacfiteglouS VahoaIs.
 Monterey, Mex.-Restoraton of thel church properties to the Catholic cler- gy by the Mexican government Is tel be followed by a general rehabilita- tion of many edifces which were bad ly damaged during the long period of revolutions. In many instances mag nificent churches were used as bar racks by soldiers. Gold and silver or naments, rare paintings and other things of value were stolen by sacrto legious vandals and probably will never be recovered.
 One of the things that impresses the visitor to Mexico most strongly isl the number and beauty of thel churches of the country, writes g Monterey correspondent of the New York Sun. In mining camps, yil- lages, haciendas, at every place, In fact, where there is human habita. ton, 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 Tn 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 In- dian facades, the Saracenic colorinR and, added to this, the fact that the workmen employed by the Spanish artists and architects were Indiana, who left the impress of their own peculiar handiwork in these ancient buildings.
 4 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 Valenciana, in the noun tains of Guanajuato. This church was erected in 17e5 at cost of mors than $1O00,000 by the count of Valen- ciana, who at that time was said te 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 hil1 are apartments which were formerly used as a convent and fortress, but which are now occupied as stores and dwellings, Near hy has been erected a monument to the man who erected the edifice The narrow pathway to the church leads to a broad flight of steps into the old churchyard, brigh' ly eoIorsd flowers and vine-hUag freL 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 baptisnal 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 crucifx. These are all kept in large closets which are readily opened for the inspection ot visitors. '"'~-7 sS'-Ft 'psg.
 Certain Rare Paintings
 In the church proper Is magnia. cent altar of immense size and re- markable beauty, richly ornameated 1 with elaborate fretwork and exquisite carving. The pulpit is entirely of in-' laid mosaics of curious pattern. Larger l gold framed mirrors and rare paint l ings adorn the walls. Many of the, l paintings depict scenes from the life. of Christ and the lives of the saints. i One of the handsomest of the por-1 traits is that of San Cayetano, pa- i tron saint of Guanajuatn. Along the sides are 10 be found old wardrobesI of chests and set of antique draw ing room furniture of rosewood andl mahogany of rare and wonderful de sign, imported from Spain.
 One of the most interesting fsaturest 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, 1t is believed by the devout folk, of the community, dwells there. The Virgins image, under a glass case, isl adorned with a priceless set of pearls, including necklace. earrings and bracelets.