GOD & TEXAS: Neglected Treasure!

On Sunday mornings, when the two bells rang at Sacred Heart church, it was the custom of the children to pick fresh flowers on their way to worship. Chatter stopped as they reverently entered through the four archways of the vestibule. Respectfully walking to the front, they would lay their bouquets on the altar before sitting quietly with their families.

In 1897, a circuit-riding priest from the Netherlands brought the message of Christ to this remote area of Presidio County. It was Father Brocardus who challenged the people to build their own edifice of worship. Under the guidance of their local priest Father Mariano, work on Sacred Heart church was begun in 1908.

Each adobe brick was hand-made by members of the community. They dried the bricks in the sun and fastened them into the walls with a muddy earth mortar. When finally finished in 1915, Sacred Heart featured two imposing bell towers that flanked the entrance, and four archways in the vestibule that may be the largest traditional adobe arches in Texas.

El Corazon Sagrado de la Iglesia de Jesus (the Sacred Heart of the church of Jesus) Catholic Church was more than just a building to the townspeople of Ruidosa. It was where their hearts and souls celebrated in worship and camaraderie. In a town of less than 300 people, the weekly gathering coalesced neighbors in love and purpose.

But then things changed. Upriver irrigation slowed the flow of the Rio Grande to a seasonal trickle. A drought killed local crops, forcing many residents to move. When the population dropped below 50, Sacred Heart church was ignored as the people struggled to survive.

Over time, the abandoned church was stripped of its statuary and bells. Even the beautiful wood flooring was detached and possibly sold for personal sustenance. What had once represented an endearing and thriving community, now reflected despair and sorrow.

Eventually, the Catholic Diocese no longer recognized Sacred Heart as a viable church. But in recent years, Friends of the Ruidosa Church petitioned to restore the revered edifice to its’ former glory. The Diocese passed the property deed to them, and the Friends are raising funds for this noble endeavor.

No matter the reason, deserting the House of God has consequences. In Nehemiah 10:39, the people said, “We promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God.” But things changed, as they always do. When their personal situation became strained, they stopped bringing offerings to worship and God’s House fell into disrepair.

Today, neglect is causing many churches to close. How sad. If we ever needed strong churches, it is in these tumultuous times. Jesus said in Luke 12:34 ESV, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” May we treasure our local church.

Hopefully, Sacred Heart in Ruidosa will be revived. But their dire example should cause us to solemnly remember the heartfelt words of the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 10:25 NLT, “Let us not neglect our meeting together.”

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