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| St Joseph with the Holy Child |
This story is about a local
landmark.
Maria Louisa Wasson
is worried. The Shrine of St. Joseph of
the Mountains was badly damaged in the June 30, 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire. Maria Louisa has been chair of the board of
the multi-denominational site for 18 years and has been involved in one way or another for 45. She's just not sure that the site, depicting
the Stations of the Cross, and the associated retreat center can be
rebuilt. You see, the Shrine is not
supported by any religious institution.
Even more concerning, insurance benefits cover only the depreciated value
of the seven lost buildings which are up to 75 years old. Revenue for the Shrine and Retreat Center has
always come from visitors.
The Yarnell
landmark began as a simple backyard shrine in 1939 and expanded over the years
to become
a natural outdoor chapel and a classroom for small groups to study accompanying
text posted on plaques at each station.
Statues and plaques represent the Stations of the Cross.
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| The Crucifixion Statue Before Restoration (Photo courtesy of Vicki Velasquez) |
There has been some progress, though. Last week, a crew lead by Pete Incardona
replaced the massive wooden cross which supports the crucifixion statue. Much has been made of the fact that the top
half of the cross burned, while the statue of Jesus remained intact and
suspended by the original supports, free of soot. Moved by the importance of the Shrine to the
Yarnell community, Pete donated his time and an anonymous donor paid for the
materials and crew.
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| Pete (Lower Left) and Crew Repairing the Cross |
This cement statue, weighing approximately 500
pounds, was crafted in 1947 by Felix Lucero.
It was remarkably well-made, surviving 66 years with little more than a
periodic coat of paint.
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| Pete and Crew |
For more information about supporting the Shrine's rebuilding;
P.O. Box
267, Yarnell, AZ 85362.
928-778-5229.
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