San Francisco Church, Golden New Mexico
Golden Christmas Lights
Evangeline Chavez 2010
San Francisco Catholic Church was built around 1830, in the town of Golden, New Mexico. The town was inhabited by Native American and Spaniards before American settlers came to the area. Gold was first discovered on Tuerto Creek on the southwest side of the Ortiz Mountains in the late 1820’s .
I attended mass on Christmas Day with the locals and was treated afterwards to a potluck provided by the neighbors in the area. Light fixtures was yet to be provided so a light bulb with an extension cord hung from the middle of the ceiling with candles on the altar to provide the light needed. The heat for the church was by a kerosene heater to keep everyone feeling safe and warm. It gave an overall feeling of humbleness like the first christmas long ago in the stables of Bethlehem when our dear Lord was born. For me this was the true meaning of Christmas, a beautiful Church surround by its humbleness and sharing of a meal with friends and neighbors.
My family!Begining with Catalino and aurora montoya are from golden.Love the town,have many wonderful memories.I’m sure I still have relatives there.My name is Esther lou Montoya-Saulque.
At times it takes the simple things in life to remember what we have.
I am glad that I get to photograph and experience what life has to offer.
I remember going to the Taos Pueblo church and they had a gas heater. You are correct, it makes one feels safe. We did not make a Mass. Usually we do try and make one on Christmas Eve. Hope all is well with you.