[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE SAN JOSE DE GRACIA CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY OF LAS TRAMPAS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2024

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the community of 
Las Trampas, and the generations of New Mexicans who built, maintained, 
and protected the San Jose de Gracia Church. The community of Trampas 
was settled in 1751 by 12 Spanish families who painstakingly carved out 
an existence in one of the most beautiful parts of our state and 
country. They relied on the strength of family, the power of community, 
and faith in God; so much so, that after more than 10 years of 
backbreaking work they raised up the San Jose de Gracia Church. The 
church, which is designated as a National Historic Landmark, is 
approaching its 250th anniversary.
  After spending nearly a decade handcrafting, carving, shaping, 
lifting, and tenderly decorating; the community of Las Trampas spent 
the next 250 years upkeeping this gem of 18th Century culture, 
architecture, and faith. For 250 years, it was their faith that kept 
the candles burning, the vigas and planks intact, and the adobe plaster 
fresh and strong. For 250 years this community has worked as one to 
preserve their faith and heritage in such a way that is unmistakably 
New Mexican--and unmistakably a reflection of unwavering faith in God 
and in one another. The San Jose de Gracia Church is the only 
distinctly Spanish Colonial building that remains completely intact 
within the original historic district of Las Trampas.
  Walking in, you are reminded of the original builders, members of the 
community from all walks of life, the fathers and mothers, the sons and 
daughters who lent any talent they could to their community for the 
sake of honoring God and creating a remarkable place to worship. The 
original floorboards, under which are buried countless members of the 
Trampas Community creak and pop as you approach the original 18th 
century altar. The altar, which is covered in frescos, is unlike 
anything else standing in this country--and still vibrant enough today 
to steal the breath and inspire awe from all who behold it. In addition 
to the faith that it has taken for a community to continue such 
painstaking work for so long--I also wish to honor the love that it 
took to keep this church alive. It is love that makes it more than just 
a structure, but a symbol of resilience, survival, and compassion. I 
wish that every single American could open their heart and draw from 
that example as we live and work with one another today and into the 
future.
  For the countless hours spent on its construction, for the countless 
hands that plastered its 6-foot-thick adobe walls, for the thousands of 
hearts that looked to God for salvation in its pews, and for the 250 
years that it has graced the mountains of northern New Mexico, I honor 
the San Jose de Gracia Church, and the community of Las Trampas. Mr. 
Speaker, members of Congress of the United States of America, I also 
pray that God grants at least 250 more.

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