Built in 1610 by Tlaxcala Indians from Mexico, San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe is the oldest church in the United States. In fact it is older than the Jamestown Settlements, the Puritan Settlement in New England and the landing of the Spanish in Florida. Archaeologists have found evidence that Native Americans occupied this site as early as 1300 A.D. The foundation of the original church can still be seen under the sanctuary today. Part of the structure was damaged during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 but was rebuilt after the Spanish took control in 1692. San Miguel is not only part of the historical and culture heritage of New Mexico it is a shrine to St. Michael. The interior is a combination of Spanish Baroque and Native American art works dating back to the 1600’s. The wooden alter screen is the oldest in New Mexico dating back to 1798. The top painting is of St. Michael with St. Teresa on the left and St. Gertrude on the right. In the center is a painting of Christ the Nazarene with St. Francis of Assisi to the left and St. Louis to the right. There is a carved wooden statue, gilded and painted, of St. Michael the Archangel celebrating his victory over Satan. The statue was brought from Mexico in 1709. There is also a Buffalo hide and deerskin Bible painting used by Franciscan missionaries to teach the Native Americans. |
