Images by Friends of the Ruidosa Church
The iconic El Corazon Sagrado de la Iglesia de Jesus, a historic Catholic church in Ruidosa, Texas, is witnessing a remarkable revival as restoration efforts gain momentum. Friends of the Ruidosa Church (FORC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving this cultural gem, has recently announced the commencement of construction on the church’s right bell tower.
The project, which began last week, marks a significant milestone in the church’s long journey towards restoration and preservation. Joey Benton and the skilled Silla crew, in collaboration with Mike Green from FORC, are devoting three weeks to this critical phase of the restoration. The sight of stabilization and restoration work progressing swiftly on the tower is an exciting moment for the entire community.
El Corazon Sagrado de la Iglesia de Jesus, completed in 1915, stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Constructed using sun-dried adobe bricks made by the citizens of Ruidosa under the guidance of Father Mariano, the church holds deep historical and cultural significance. Its unique architectural features, including the largest traditional adobe arches in the state, make it a cherished landmark.
However, over the decades, the church fell into disrepair, particularly as the town’s population declined in the mid-20th century. Services ceased, and the building’s deterioration advanced. In the early 2000s, the Catholic Diocese, recognizing the need for preservation, deeded the property to FORC, initiating a journey of restoration.
Over the years, FORC, in partnership with organizations such as the Texas Historical Commission, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Presidio County Historical Commission, has secured funding and diligently worked to restore the church. The restoration project included stabilizing the building, re-grading to establish positive drainage, replacing eroded adobes, adding a corrugated metal roof, mud plastering exterior walls, and restoring the arches. However, due to structural concerns with the left tower, the project was temporarily halted in 2010.
In a pivotal turn of events in August 2019, the Catholic Diocese deeded the property to Presidio County, setting the stage for FORC to take ownership and continue its mission of restoration. The Friends of the Ruidosa Church, born from these negotiations, has since been dedicated to raising funds, overseeing the church’s restoration, and managing it as a community center for religious and secular events.
As construction on the right bell tower progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the restoration of this historic gem. Stay tuned for further updates on the techniques and interventions being applied to the adobe walls as FORC works tirelessly to bring new life to the Sacred Heart of Ruidosa. To learn more and support this endeavor, visit FORC’s website or contact them at ruidosachurch@gmail.com.
The preservation of El Corazon Sagrado de la Iglesia de Jesus stands as a testament to the power of community and dedication in safeguarding our shared heritage.
