More than $16,000 has been donated for the repair of a damaged 19th-century mission church north of Pecos since a story about the plight of the old building appeared in the April 2 issue of the Journal.
Irene Romero, one of the mayordomos, or caretakers, of Our Lady of Guadalupe, said contributions since the story was published have come from all over New Mexico and from Texas and continue to arrive.
Built about 1857, the church is in El Macho, a canyon community nine miles north of Pecos. It is administered by San Antonio de Padua, or St. Anthony’s Church, in Pecos.
Over the years, Masses have been celebrated at the church on a varying schedule. Weddings, baptisms and rosary services for the recently deceased have been held there.
The church has also been a popular setting for Las Posadas, a Catholic devotion practiced during the Christmas season.
But severe cracking discovered in the church’s south wall in 2021 forced its closing to the public and resulted in the launching of a drive to raise funds for its repair. Romero said the goal is to raise $150,000. The recent influx of funds has brought the total received to about $89,000.
Persons who wish to contribute to the cause, should make out checks or money orders to St. Anthony’s Church.
It should be noted on the check or money order that the donation is for El Macho Church Repair Project.
Mail contributions to St. Anthony de Padua Church, HC 74 Box 23, Pecos, N.M., 87552.
