In Americaa's Great Southwest, in one of America's most ancient cities, stands the oldest known Church in North America, San Miguel Mission Chapel located near the heart of the community.
the wondorous and mysterious Andalusian bell now hangs in the Church of San Miguel's souvenir room. Oh, what a history for a church bell in a city (City of Holy Faith) of known for its churches, great and small. One has to wonder how so many fine grand old churches arose in such a distant part of the new world so very long ago.
In the "City of Holy Faith" there are more churches than there are saloons, and it has always been that way. St. Francis Cathedral stands just off the town square and is one of the most photographed churches of the new world. Nearby is the thick adobe-walled Our Lady of Gaudalupe Shrine, while a short walk away takes you to massive old mission known as El Christo Rey.
But just down the street stands the ancient Church of San Miguel, built in 1610 and the oldest church in the new world. The old shrine was built and occupied a full decade before the Mayflower arrived on the distant eastern coast. Perhaps one of the greatest attractions inside is the Bell of Andalusian, weighing 780 pounds with four inch walls. It is the oldest bell in America, constructed in 1356 in Spain.
Before ever arriving in the New World, the bell developed quite a history. In the mid 1300's, the Spanish faithful were at war with the Moors. It was a losing campaign for the Spanish, battle after battle won by the invading Moslems.
In a desperate effort, the Spanish Catholics vowed to construct a bell in tribute to St. Joeseph, and prayed that in return he would turn the tide of war in their favor.
Villagers from miles around brought gold and silver to add to other metals that the "miracle" bell might be built. An inscription on the bell reads "San Jose, ruega por nosotros"...St. Joeseph pray for us! Be it the miracle of the bell or not, the tide of the war changed, and eventually the Moors were chased from Spain, giving the kingdom dominance in the region for centuries thereafter.
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