|
The
little church was built in the 1880s and for years served as Rico’s first
schoolhouse. An increase in population in the boom days of the 1890s found the
building too small and in 1892 a four room, brick school was built. On June 30,
1892, the town of Rico deeded the property to Bishop M.C. Matz. Immaculate Heart
of Mary had a resident pastor until 1895, but with the decline in mining the
church was assigned mission status.
In
the early 1990s, Fr. Peter Hudson, pastor of St. Margaret Mary in Cortez,
investigated the possibility of renovating Immaculate Heart of Mary as a project
for the Knights of Columbus Council. The original plan was to restore the chapel
and put an apartment in the rear of the building to be used by area priests as a
retreat. Communications with the Chancery in Pueblo led to a letter of
authorization from Bishop Tafoya to proceed with the project.
The
Knights of Columbus, parishioners and citizens of Rico labored extensively on
the restoration of the little chapel. The building’s rotted wooden foundation
and floor supports were reinforced with steel beams and cement pillars. The crew
installed new electrical wiring, removed chimneys, painted the ceilings and
removed wallpaper. When the walls were stripped, the original black chalkboards
from when the church was a schoolhouse were uncovered. Once the chapel was
cleaned, it received new carpet and windows and an updated entrance complete
with a deck and ramp. The exterior received new insulation and siding. And many
months were spent restoring the Stations of the Cross, the altar crucifix, and
statues in the church. The efforts of the Knights of Columbus and citizens of
Rico to restore the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a testimony to the dedication
and faith of people who wish to preserve their history and give glory to God.
Masses
are celebrated once a month during the summer.
|
