Friends of the Ruidosa Church, a non-profit 501c3 organization committed to preserving the historical Catholic church in Ruidosa, Texas, has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in their ongoing restoration efforts. After more than a year of collaborative work with structural engineers and adobe experts, the organization has unveiled a significant advancement in the stabilization of the precarious right bell tower.
The driving force behind this achievement is the innovative collaboration between Joey Benton and his team at Silla, along with Mike Green from Friends of the Ruidosa Church. Employing a creative approach, the team has devised a modular steel support structure, meticulously crafted in Marfa. This structure serves as a safeguard for the adobe tower, offering dual reinforcement from both the interior and exterior. This strategic plan ensures the structural integrity of the adobe tower while facilitating the gradual replacement of eroded and damaged bricks.
In a monumental move forward, Joey Benton, Gabe, and Mike successfully transported the custom steel support structure to the Ruidosa church site. The installation of this structure within the tower represents a pivotal phase in the ongoing restoration efforts, marking a significant step toward securing the tower’s future stability.
Undeterred by the scorching heat of the summer months, the dedicated team, alongside a devoted group of volunteers, has consistently propelled the project forward. Overcoming the challenges posed by the weather, the team’s unwavering commitment has been a driving force, evident in their early starts and well-deserved pool breaks.
A notable accomplishment of the restoration project lies in the progress made with site utilities. For the first time in its storied history, the church site will have access to power. This development not only addresses fundamental operational needs but also sets the stage for the installation of an industrial mixer directly on-site. The mixer will play a pivotal role in producing adobe bricks at an accelerated pace, streamlining the restoration process.
A sincere expression of gratitude is extended to Lupe Ortiz and his dedicated team in Ruidosa for their unflagging contributions. Their diligent efforts, including the labor-intensive tasks of hand-digging and trenching, have proven invaluable to the project’s advancement. The organization also extends its appreciation to Angell Expeditions for generously allowing the use of their yard, exemplifying the spirit of community collaboration for a shared objective.
In the coming weeks, Friends of the Ruidosa Church intends to provide regular progress updates, sharing their continued dedication and achievements. As the restoration project unfolds, the community eagerly awaits the revival of the historic Catholic church in Ruidosa, Texas.
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