San Gerónimo
San Gerónimo
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
It originates from the former Franciscan Mission of San Jerónimo, which served the Concho Indians in the locality now known as Ciudad Aldama. The mission was targeted during Apache uprisings in the 18th century, during which the temple was destroyed and the inhabitants abandoned the settlement. Later, the site was established as a presidio and subsequently became a town.
The current temple was commissioned in 1783 by Juan Gutiérrez de la Cueva, although the first stone was laid in 1876 and its completion took place in 1906. It features a Neoclassical style and a three-nave plan.
The wider central nave is crowned by a dome and extends toward the presbytery and an apse. The dome, as well as the upper part of the presbytery and the apse, are decorated with paintings by Father Emiliano Soria, who is also responsible for other artistic works preserved in various temples of Chihuahua.
Diocesan
19th
Juan Aldama
Aldama
Building
Stone
Bóveda y cúpulas
Cruz látina de tres naves
The background dates back to the Council for the Rescue of the Mission of Santa Ana de Chinarras. Its members, concerned about the condition of the building, approached the Association to request the intervention for the Temple of San Jerónimo.
At the beginning of the clearance work, the critical condition of the main vault became evident, representing a major challenge for all involved. With the guidance of Master Roberto Sánchez, structural, geotechnical, and geophysical studies were carried out, which made it possible to define an appropriate intervention strategy. Thanks to this, the central vault was successfully consolidated, while the need to intervene in the temple's foundation was ruled out.
During the initial phases of the work, public access was restricted; however, once the central vault was consolidated, services resumed on significant dates or specific seasons. Finally, as of December 24, 2019, the temple fully regained its liturgical function.
The project took on an ambitious and comprehensive character, aimed at restoring the dignity of the building and ensuring its long-term conservation and use.
INVERSION: 9,687,000.00 MXN
PHASE I $2,020,000.00 (2013 FOREMOBA)
Wall consolidation, plaster reintegration, compression layers in vaults and domes, painting, removal of non-permeable floors and sidewalks both inside and outside.
- FOREMOBA
- Government of the State of Chihuahua
- Municipal Government of Aldama
- Pro restoration Committee
PHASE II $250,000.00 (2014 DGSM)
Development of a roof consolidation project.
- FOREMOBA
- Government of the State of Chihuahua
- Municipal Government of Aldama
- Pro restoration Committee
PHASE III $64,000.00 (2015 INAH)
Stage one consolidation of the main vault.
- INAH
PHASE IV $1,005,000.00 (2017 PEF)
Development of a structural project.
- Federal Expenditure Program
PHASE V $ 48,000.00 (2017 PACMYC)
Waterproofing workshop at the temples of: Santa Ana de Chinarras, San Carlos Borromeo, and San Jerónimo.
- Program of Multilingual and Community Cultural Actions
- Pro-Restoration Council of the Temple of San Jerónimo
PHASE VI $ 5,000,000.00 (2016-2019 COMMUNITY)
Rehabilitation of the main vault: integration of colinear tension rods, release of structural reinforcement, reintegration of plaster on the intrados and extrados, waterproofing. Structural monitoring, geophysical studies, lime painting inside the temple, restoration of the main door and windows, interior and exterior lighting.
- In-kind donations
- Pro-Restoration Council of the Temple of San Jerónimo
PHASE VII $ 1,300,000.00 (2019 MUNICIPALITY)
Development of the flooring project, sound system installation, and construction of pews.
- Government of the State of Chihuahua
- City Hall
PHASE VIII $ 800,000.00 (2024 MUNICIPALITY-COMMUNITY)
Removal and demolition of the perimeter fence, construction of perimeter wall, stone columns, ironwork, and lighting.
- Pro-Restoration Council of the Temple
- City Hall
A Council was formed, composed of citizens committed to their community and the preservation of its heritage as a factor of development. Together with Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua, A.C., they are currently working on the completion of the temple’s restoration.
As part of the process, local labor has been trained in restoration techniques and procedures, thus avoiding additional costs during the intervention. The work is currently under the supervision of Master Martin Gaytán.
On-site contact:
Parish of San Jeronimo
(614) 451 0197
Antrop. José Luis Domínguez González (Operador turístico)
(614) 210 3131
