| We took just a quick stroll across the plaza to obtain a similar angle to the original photo for the San Felipe de Neri Church. Obtaining this photo without lots of signs, people and traffic was difficult. This photo was the one that contained the least amount of obstructions. It was 1709 when the original church built on this site. During the very rainy summer of 1792, the old church collapsed. The church that now stands on the Old Town Plaza was constructed the following year. This church, in the shape of a cross, was constructed of adobe; the walls are 5 feet thick. A one-story convento for the Friars was added on the east side and the westernmost room of the structure was a sacristy Except for its tin ceiling, brick floor, and south entrance, today's church is the same structure as in 1793. In 1995-96, the roof of the rectory was restored to the original look given by the Jesuits in 1890. The new pitched tin roof has a decorative gable above the front door and a "widow's walk.". |
