Santa Cruz De La Canada Mission Doors

I was rooting around in my photography archives and ran across this photograph of the doors of the mission in Santa Cruz, NM. I had always meant to process this work and had somehow forgotten it. The mission, Santa Cruz de la Canada, was built in 1733 and has a reputation of being the best mission in New Mexico. I also found an old photo taken of the mission in 1881. I hope you enjoy them both.

Mission Doors

The beautifully carved wooden mission doors at Santa Cruz de la Canada mission.

Santa Cruz de la Canada Church, Santa Cruz, New Mexico

The Santa Cruz church in 1881. 

Photo by William Henry Jackson.

mission art

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page.

Southwestern Mission In Chimayo, New Mexico

You will find that most of the photographs of El Santuario de Chimayo are of the exterior.  But for me the interior is by far the most interesting and beautiful to view.  The old Spanish mission was built in 1816 by a private individual and became a National Historic Landmark in 1970.  It is definitely a worthwhile destination on your next trip to the southwest.  I took this photo a few years ago, and have always liked the warm golden glow inside the sanctuary. I have taken a second look at it making minor improvements and have given it a new crop. If curious, you can see the earlier version and post here.  

Sacred Sanctuary

An old Spanish mission is bathed in soft golden light illuminating the lovely wooden interior and altar. Chimayo, New Mexico

spanish mission art

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Sacred Sanctuary in Chimajo, New Mexico

We had been visiting the historical Spanish missions in the southwestern United States on our vacation a couple years ago. Both of us appreciate old architecture, history and culture. As we went from small village to small village I discovered that most of the old churches did not allow photography inside. Discouraged but respectful I left the camera in the car and contented myself to soaking up memories. I was moved by the feeling of sacredness in these old missions. The peaceful serenity permeated the atmosphere. So when we arrived at the mission in Chimajo I expected the same, but it felt even more enduring and sacred. It almost seemed as if the hundreds of years of loving worship there had changed the structure itself. You can imagine my great delight when I was told it was permissible to photograph the inside of the mission. I very much wanted to capture the feeling of this mission and not just the image. I hope it brings you a feeling of peaceful serenity.

The Altar
An ornate Spanish altar in a historical southwestern mission is rich in warm colors of orange, red, and gold and glows in the soft light. Chimajo, New Mexico
click here for purchase information on this photo

Sacred Sanctuary
A filtered and soft candlelight glows inside this ornately decorated Spanish mission in Chimajo, New Mexico.
click here for purchase information on this photo

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Sunday Morning Gallery

Starting today I am going to feature a series of photos with a common theme every Sunday Morning. I'll start off with three very different photos but all examples of architecture. This one is for you Dad.