On a mission: New book looks at the various adobe churches from around the state

Mar. 28—ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Editor's note: The fourth Sunday of each month, Journal Arts Editor Adrian Gomez tells the stories behind some of the hidden gems you can see across the state in "Gimme Five."

New Mexico is full of mission churches.

Located around the state and varying in size, each is a symbol of its community.

For more than a decade, the idea of a book on the subject danced around in New Mexico author Donna Blake Birchell's head.

On April 5, the author will share what she's learned with the world as "New Mexico Mission Churches" is released.

"As a huge fan of Southwestern adobe architecture, the cruciform lines of these structures have always caught my interest and eye," she says. "The peach tones of the adobe accented in white against the turquoise skies are a photographer's dream and epitomize the essence of New Mexico. I wanted to capture the often-turbulent history and beauty of the churches to share with the world that the pueblos were far more than the casinos which represent them today as you drive along Interstate 25."

The book took Blake Birchell nearly nine months to complete.

As a fan of adobe architecture, Blake Birchell is still amazed that each is made of the most basic of building materials in New Mexico — earth, straw and water.

These materials added with wooden vigas and latillas, create an organic building which has a life of its own, she says.

"This feeling draws people, as well as me, to the simple churches to reflect and refresh," she goes on. "The sacred ambiance surrounds those who enter, and special care is given by the parishioners to the churches in return. Annual mudding of the exterior walls preserves the buildings from eventually incinerating with the elements."

Having done tons of research and traveled to the locations, Blake Birchell recommends a handful of mission churches that one shouldn't miss:

1. El Santuario de Chimayó: Blake Birchell says when you descend into the village of Chimayó, you are transported into another world, one where you can completely forget about the events going on in this world.

"I have always considered El Santuario de Chimayó to be one of the most sacred spots in New Mexico," she says. "Others seem to agree judging by the amount of people who make the annual pilgrimage to the Santuario during Holy Week." (Note: The Archdiocese of Santa Fe announced on March 15 that it was canceling the annual pilgrimages to El Santuario de Chimayó, as well as other gatherings, out of an abundance of caution during the pandemic and for safety concerns.)

2. St. Joseph Apache Mission : Another mission church, not connected to a pueblo, is St. Joseph Apache Mission in Mescalero, Blake Birchell says.

"This stunning rock church stands tall over the village of Mescalero and was the dream of Father Albert Braun, who was a veteran of both World War I and II, as well as a POW," she says. "His determination was legendary and highly respected. St. Joseph is now in desperate need of restoration to keep Fr. Braun's dream alive — donations are gladly accepted."

3. Kewa Pueblo Mission Church: Kewa Pueblo (formerly known as Santo Domingo) Mission Church is a striking example of early Spanish Colonial architecture as its white, orange, and turquoise façade rises from the flat brown earth graveyard which lays in front of the church.

"As with tradition, there are no markers for the graves on a perfectly smooth surface," she says. "Please respect all the rules of the individual pueblos and unfortunately, no photography or sketching is allowed at the Kewa Pueblo Mission Church, so you must relay the images to memory."

4. Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Church: As you travel the High Road to Taos, you will pass some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Along this route are several historical mission churches which are accessible to the public.

"One being the Sacred Heart Church of Nambé Pueblo," she says. "A special feature to look for at Sacred Heart is across the street in the cemetery — as an exact replica of the church was lovingly made as a headstone."

5. The Salinas PUEBLO Missions: The three Salinas Pueblo Missions in Torrance County, Gran Quivira, Quarai, and Abó are steeped in history and tradition.

"Nearby salt lakes helped to provide a means of food preservation, as well as a trade income for the meager missions," Blake Birchell explains. "As with many of the other pueblos in New Mexico, drought, famine, and raids were too much for the Puebloan People to withstand, so they moved on to other locations leaving behind architectural masterpieces. Tales of treasure and outlaw visits give these stone structures mystic appeal."

Blake Birchell hopes that readers will visit the many pueblos and mission churches of New Mexico once it is safe to do so.

"Even though New Mexico is my home state, I can honestly say I am in love with the Land of Enchantment and find new fascinating facts and journeys each time I leave my carport," she says. "The amount of history contained within our borders is astounding and needs to be fully savored."