Rupert Chambers, Enjarre at San Francisco de Asis. Courtesy photoMRM News:
Friday, March 23, the Millicent Rogers Museum will open a new exhibit titled Earthen Temples: The Life of Adobe Churches.
A reception will be held at the museum from 1-3 p.m. Palm Sunday, March 25. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit will continue until Sunday, June 24.
Earthen Temples: The Life of Adobe Churches—This exhibit will share the story of how parish members come together to care for the adobe churches in their communities. The exhibition includes photographs of the annual enjarre (replastering) at San Francisco de Asis church in Ranchos de Taos by Rupert Chambers. Also included are images of the restoration projects at San Antonio de Padua church in Questa by Carrie Leven, the restoration of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores church in Arroyo Hondo courtesy of Lorenzo Ortiz, and similar projects throughout northern New Mexico.
Additional archival information is provided by the Taos News. Historic adobe brick molds and related materials used in the manufacture of adobe structures as well as contemporary santos representing the patron saints of each church from the museum’s permanent collection will be on view.
According to the museum’s curator Carmela Quinto, “There is nothing like using your hands to heal the structure where you have been worshipping all your life. The story of the longevity of the adobe churches in New Mexico is a result of the faith, hard work, and love that has sustained each community through the last 200 years. This exhibit is a story of adobe architecture and a story of the history of a piece of the Catholic faith in northern New Mexico.”
The Millicent Rogers Museum is open from 10-5 (MST) Tuesday through Sunday from November to March, and is open every day from April to October. In line with the museum’s mission to support the local community, regular admission is always complimentary to Taos County residents.
Visit www.millicentrogers.org or call (575).758.2462 for more information about admission, events, holiday closures, and exhibits.
Maria Martinez Replastering the Church at San Ildefonso Pueblo. Courtesy/Millicent Rogers Museum
Adobe Brick Mold. Courtesy/Millicent Rogers Museum