Before there was an Archuleta County and even before there was a Colorado or even the United States, faith and spirituality existed in our region.
Those who have dedicated their research and expertise to develop the Chimney Rock National Monument tell the story how this region has long served the faithful. Many since have brought their faith with them to these mountains, to the healing waters unique to this area and to the rich diversity of the upper San Juan Basin.
This story about Catholic pioneers in faith in Archuleta County is obviously not the only story of faith-filled residents. Its purpose in this series of articles is to set the stage for the 75th anniversary of what is now considered a historic building within the concept of downtown preservation: the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
The San Juan Historical Society provided early information about the Catholic roots in Archuleta County. In the southern part of the county before priests were assigned to the region, as early as 1859, there is evidence of the Catholic faith brought in by those ranching and sheepherding families. It was the Penitentes who practiced the faith for those early settlers and who still exist in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.
In 1893, a group of Catholics came together to build St. Edwards Catholic Church, the first Catholic church in the county. In 1908, St. Francis was built in the community of Frances. The flood of 1911 destroyed that church. A new church was rebuilt, and that church was completed in 1917.
Also in 1908, the St. James mission church was built in the community of Trujillo and, in 1916, the church that is in use today was built. In Pagosa Junction, the St. John church was built in 1911, but was also destroyed in the floods of 1911. That church was rebuilt and dedicated in 1928.
The last of the mission locations was the Chromo Mission Station, built in 1922 as a schoolhouse but used by various religious entities, including the Catholic community until 1955. The building, no longer in use, is still standing and on the north side of the road upon entering Chromo from the east.
Early on, all the churches were served by visiting priests. Those priests would be picked up at train stops in Pagosa Junction and Pagosa. The transportation from the railroad station was by horse pulled wagons. Different families in each mission would share the responsibility of transporting the visiting priests to the churches and would return them to the railroad stations.
In 1906, the Theatine Fathers, Order of Clerics Regular established a permanent base in Durango at the Sacred Heart Parish. At that time, all the Catholic churches/missions in Archuleta County were served primarily by the Theatine Fathers.
By the end of World War II, the Catholic faith community in Archuleta County was growing. The need was for a larger church to serve not only as a central focal point for the mission churches, but also to serve the growing community of Pagosa Springs.
On Sunday, May 21, 1949, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Wiliging of the Diocese of Pueblo.
In the next article there will be more about the 75th anniversary of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, the pioneer families, the priests and the celebration itself.
June 8 this year is the actual feast day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The theme is “Pioneers in Faith in Archuleta County.” The celebration will mirror feast day celebrations as commemorated around the world: honoring the patron or patroness of that church. Combined with the 75th anniversary, the event will also focus on inclusivity — inclusivity of all Catholics, Christians, and our friends and neighbors in need.
For now, save the date of June 8. The procession will begin at 4:30 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m., with a meal and a street dance to follow.
