San Pedro Alcántara
San Pedro de Alcántara
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
The origin of the town of San Pedro Alcántara dates back to the 17th century, being one of the oldest Franciscan missions in the state of Chihuahua. It belongs to the province of San Francisco de Zacatecas. The first mission of San Pedro was founded in 1649 by Fray Jerónimo de Birues and Captain Juan Munguía y Villela. It was named in honor of San Pedro Alcántara. The temple was established simultaneously with Nuestra Señora de las Rocas, in Cruces, a visita mission, with the purpose of evangelizing the Conchos Indians. In 1684, the Tarahumara uprisings caused the desolation of the area, in addition to a strong military presence. According to the writings of Zacarías Márquez, in the 18th century the old temple was completely demolished, leading to the construction of the current building.
In general, the temple has undergone a series of interventions that have represented significant changes in its form. An example would be the main façade, the tower, and the buildings attached to the temple, constructed with different styles and materials, making the ensemble appear uneven and diminishing its historical and architectural appeal.
In 2019 and 2020, a proposal was made by Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua, together with the Temple Committee and the Municipal Presidency, for the historical restoration of the temple's old facade.
Franciscan Mission
19th
Chihuahua
Chihuahua
Building
Stone
Vaults
Latin cross
In 2019, Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua A.C. was contacted by Municipal President Óscar Barraza in order to collaborate on the restoration of the temple's historic facade. That same year, historical research began, first consulting individuals who had previously conducted studies of the area, such as Pbro. Dizan Vázquez, historian Elvia Arvizu, and Dr. Clementina Campos.
A contest was announced to find the oldest historical images of the temple through the municipality’s social media, and several images were obtained that contributed greatly to the restoration of the original facade.
The work began in 2019, covering in its first stage the removal of elements added in previous phases, such as the tower, the portico, and decorative features, as well as the consolidation of the walls through insets of the same material. In 2020, the second stage commenced, involving the reconstruction of the left tower and the restoration of the temple’s historical appearance, concluding in September of the same year and inaugurated by the governor.
INVERSION $652,000.00 MXN
100%
PHASE I-II $652,000.00 (2019-2020)
Restoration of the historic facade.
- State Government (2016-2021)
- Municipal Government of Chihuahua (2018-2021)
- Restoration Committee
The Parish of San Pedro Alcántara of Namiquipa, through its committee, has continued this project. From the beginning, the parish priest, Fr. David Ponce, has been involved.
On-site contact:
Parish Office of San Pedro Alcántara
(659) 578 0032
