The Barrio de Analco (just outside central Santa Fe), built circa 1620, sits on the site of an ancient Native American pueblo that dates back to the early 1200's CE. At the heart of the Barrio is the San Miguel Mission, the oldest known church in the U.S. It was built by Franciscan Friars to serve the local Native Americans, as well as the Spanish soldiers stationed there. The earliest documentation of the existence of the church was in 1628. However, oral tradition states that the church was here as early as 1610. Again, according to oral history, an earlier church, known as the "Hermita de San Miguel", sat on this same site. During the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, San Miguel Mission was severely damaged. It was rebuilt in 1710, when the Spaniards returned, and once again served as the chapel for the Spanish soldiers. In 1798, a wooden altar screen (a reredo)- considered the oldest in New Mexico -was funded by the mayor of Santa Fe and placed at the back of the altar. It included a statue of St. Michael that has been dated to circa 1700. At the same time, a three-tiered bell tower was added to the church in order to accommodate the 780 pound "San Jose" bell (cast in Spain, in the late 14th century, from jewelry donated by the people as thanks for their victory over the Moors). By 1859, Bishop Lamay bought the property surrounding the church so that the LaSalle Christian Brothers could develop a school adjacent to the Mission. A strong storm in 1872 destroyed the bell tower but the San Jose bell was saved ( it is on display in the chapel where one can ring it with a hammer. It still sounds very sweet). San Miguel Mission has been repaired and rebuilt several times over the years, but the original adobe walls remain intact. This is a great place to visit ( and admission is only one dollar for seniors).
Located just a couple of blocks outside of the center of Santa Fe, the San Miguel Mission is the oldest known church in America.
It was originally built in the Romanesque fortress church style, with heavily buttressed walls and battlements on the flat roof.
Serving the local Native Americans and the Spanish Soldiers of the Barrio de Analco, the church was relatively small.
In 1798, this wooden altar screen (called a reredo) was placed behind the altar.
A 1928 dual photo of the three hundred year old church.
Cast in Spain, in the late 14th century, from jewelry donated by locals, the San Jose Bell now sits inside the chapel. You can ring the bell using the hammer in the lower portion of the picture. It is a beautiful sounding bell.
A portion of the original wall plastering was left uncovered for all to see.
Excavations just inside the altar railing have uncovered original 1610 Adobe steps to the sanctuary.
How the church looked in an 1880 photograph.
The church was named after St. Michael, patron saint of Santa Fe.
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