The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1921-04-25
RUINED CHURCHES
TO Be RESTORED
Ancient CathedraIs, Damaged
During Mexican Revolutions,
Will Be RelabiHtated-
MANY USED AS BARRACKS
Unusual Fascination of Mexican
Churches Lies in Their Mixed
Architecture-Tre treasures Taken
by SacrIegous VandsIs.

| Monterey, Mex.-ReStoration of the
church properties to the Catholic cler-
gy by the Mexican government is to
tion Of many editices which were bad
! ly damaged during the long period of
| revolutions. In many instances mag
nifcent churches were used as bar
I racks by soldiers. Gold and silver or
naments, rare paintings and other
things of value were stolen by sacri-
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 q
Monterey correspondent of the New
York Sun. In mining camps, vii
lagos, haciendas, at every place. In
fact. where there is human habita-
tion 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.
1t 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 colorin9
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 handlwork 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 Valenciana, in the noun
tains of Guanajuato. This church
was erected in 1765 al cost of moro
than $1,000,000 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.
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 edifice. The narrow pathway to
the church leads to q 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
by halo and dove, all
of gold; the vestments of gold en-
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 magnifi-
cent altar of immense size and re-
narkable beauty richly ornamented
With elaborate fretwork and exquisite
The pulpit is entirely of in
aid mosaics of curious pattern. Large,
.old-framed mirrors and rare paint
ngs adorn the walls. Many of the
paintings depict scenes from the life
If Christ and the lives of the saints.
)ne of the handsomest of the por-
rats is that of San Cayetano, pa
ron saint of Guanajuato. Along the
ides are to be found old wardrobes
# chests and set of antique draw
ng room furniture of rosewood and
nahogany of rare and wonderful de-
ign. imported from Spain.
One of the most interesting features
f the church is the miracle chapel,
here there is an altar of unusual
eauty and richness. In this room
re hung many small artificial arms,
,gs. hearts and other members OF
le body. with inscriptions attesting
he miracles performed by the Virgin,
ho, it is believed by the devout folk
{ the community, dwells there. The
irgin's image, under a glass case. Is
1orned with a priceless set of pearls,
lcluding necklace, earrings and
racelets.