New Jim Griffith Book

You’ve seen him on television for years, and now you can read more about the stories he has told to Southern Arizona audiences through the program “Arizona Illustrated.”  Patronato board member, storyteller and now a Heritage Fellow of the National Endowment of the Arts, Jim Griffith has written a new book  “A Border Runs Through It.”  The popular folklorist has translated his PBS series, “Southern Arizona Traditions,” into an engaging book.

The New York Times described the duo as “an exuberant pair, exhibiting artistic rapport and expressive unity with a quality of ardent commitment that shines through their work.”

The two have performed on every important musical stage in America and abroad, having premiered and recorded some five dozen works by this country’s most prominent composers.”

This year’s concert is scheduled for Sunday, April 15th at 5 p.m.  with an informal reception, beginning at 4 p.m. in the north courtyard (through the Museum entrance).

Seats for the concert are $75 each with $65 a tax deductible contribution to Patronato to aid the restoration of San Xavier, a National Historic Monument, and an Arizona treasure.

Invitations to the event will be mailed early in March.  Harry & Sanda’s passion for exploring new territory drives their never-ending quest to make chamber music a living, breathing experience for modern audiences.   Make plans  to join us for an unforgettable evening.

For more information call 520 407-6130.

(A.1) 10.12.11 SITE MEETING (9:30 a.m., 50º, cool, clear, light breeze)

PRESENT: Bob Vint, Danny Morales, Alex, Freddy, Jorge & Sonny (no Vince or Santi today)

WORK IN PROGRESS: Continued stabilization of Arch #1 (Jorge); interior wall of Arcade @ west side adobe wall (Alex & Santi) and north Pier #6 (Freddy); work @ NW corner of arcade (Sonny).

DISCUSSED: Detail of bond beam at top of wall [BV sketched section diagram – copy to Danny].

(A.3) 11.12.11 SITE VIST 2:00 PM (50º, cloudy)

PRESENT:      Bob Vint, Alexandra Fuente Navarro [UA grad student/intern in preservation]

WORK IN PROGRESS:    None; a Saturday visit to verify conditions @ entry way for design of dust control vestibule. Measured pews, aisles, doors etc. Confirmed HABS dimensions, some conditions have changed [such as removal of sloped wood floor that was present in 1940].

DISCUSSED:   Integration of shelves [or closed cabinets, with lockable door if desired] for prayer books in design of vestibule, to eliminate rolling book cart now stored in Baptistery that causes damage to walls as it id brought in and out of church [concept suggested by Patronato Pres. Chuck Albanese, during visit of conservator Aneta Zebala in September].

(A.4) 11.23.11 SITE MEETING (8:00 a.m., 45º, cool, clear)

PRESENT:      B. Vint, D. Morales, MRB crew [Sonny, Alex, Santi, Jorge & Freddy].

WORK IN PROGRESS: Continued stabilization of Arch #1 (Jorge); interior wall of Arcade @ west side

WORK IN PROGRESS:    Replacing fractured adobe at east wall bearing level; Danny uncovered a major pocket of deterioration at the inside corner of the south wall where a roof scupper (canal) has been leaking inside the wall for many years. The adobe was dissolved to powder and the mesquite beans rotted to the point of disintegration. The corner will have to be rebuilt. This condition underscores the importance of the work now being done on the arcade – for this roof was at the point of collapse, but the damage was unseen until the Morales crew removed the cement plaster coating. It also illustrates why it is impossible to fix the schedule or budget, as unforeseen conditions such as this emerge as the work progresses.

DISCUSSED: Work plan for restructuring Pier #1; lay burnt adobe buttress @ interior, building on historic partial-height buttress. Dome maintenance in progress – Vince & Santi mortar-washed main dome (cupola) last week as part of bi-yearly maintenance. Danny is hoping to continue with domes of Apse & Transepts, but there’s rain in the forecast and work may be delayed.

(A.5) 12.09.11 SITE MEETING (8:00 a.m., 50º, partial clouds)

PRESENT:      B. Vint, D. Morales & MRB crew [Alex, Freddy, Jorge, Vincent, Santi & Sonny]

WORK IN PROGRESS:  Re-pointing Arch #1; laying burnt adobe @ Pier #1

DISCUSSED:  Roof maintenance complete @ Apse and side altars (Transepts); BV & DM climbed tower to view condition of vaults. Mortar-washing is thorough.

(A.6) 12.22.11 SITE MEETING (8:00 a.m., 42º, cool, cloudy)

PRESENT:      B. Vint, D. Morales & MRB crew [Alex, Freddy, Jorge, Vincent, Santi & Sonny]

WORK IN PROGRESS: Laying burnt adobe @ Pier #1 interior (20” x 20”); Danny has drilled the adobe to install fiberglass 4 re-bar verticals set in lime mortar. Masonry @ north end of arcade (Freddy); Jamb @ north window @ Chapter Rm. (Danny)

DISCUSSED:  Top of wall stabilized @ parapet, continuously. Will start laying bond beam after 1st of year. MRB will take full week holiday from Friday before Christmas, to Monday after New Year’s Day.

A REMINDER OF THE BIG PICTURE:

[Show as slideshow]

END OF REPORT

Voices soared inside the cozy desert church, as the Sons of Orpheus and the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus sang in the holiday season with a selection of well-known favorites and several “new” pieces as well.

This was the 15th year for Patronato’s popular fundraiser to support the restoration of San Xavier.  The demand for seats for the three-night, six performance event was stronger than ever.

Both the performers and the board of Patronato are grateful to be part of what for many is a “must see” event for the holiday season.

The three-nights of six concerts feature the Sons of Orpheus and the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus performing a selection of classical and popular Christmas music.

Last year’s concerts were a return to sold-out houses. The Arizona Daily Star proclaimed it “beyond dazzling – San Xavier music, sights are spectacular.” The year’s anniversary event promises to be its equal in every way.

Patronato thanks our 2010 supporters: sponsor Ann Fallon and underwriters Laura & Arch Brown, John & Georgiann Carroll, Jim & Vicki Click, Chuck & Pat Pettis and Tucson Electric Power honoring Liz Ogilvy.

Also providing significant assistance: The DanMarben Group L.L.C., Lewis & Roca L.L.P., Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. and Tucson Electric Power. Last year’s concerts were dedicated to the memory of Elaine Stilb.

Seats are again $90 each with $70 of the price a tax-deductible contribution to the restoration. Invitations will be mailed the first week of October.

If you, or someone you know, would like to add your name to the invitation list, call 520 407-6130 or e-mail patronatoSX@earthlink.net.

Sponsorship and underwriting packages are available for the 2011 concert series. Please contact us to find out how you or your business can support

The project had two goals:  to repair and stabilize the arcade which has been “restored” haphazardly several times over the years and to isolate structurally the arcade from the main church for earthquake protection.

Excavating the ground below the arcade revealed some unexpected and potentially damaging developments.  Our crew from Morales Restoration and Builders found that the wall separating the Chapter Room from the East Transept of the main church had very little foundation support beneath.  Either portions of the foundation were never built or the footings became unstable and/or dissolved due to environmental conditions under the church.

Workers also found that the base support under the piers of the arcade was not stable.  As they excavated one of the piers, the foundation settled and one arch cracked.

The crew filled in the space under the East Transept/Chapter Room wall with a lime/concrete mixture.  The concrete provides structural strength and the lime is compatible with the original brick and mortal within the wall.

They stabilized the pier foundations with additional pours of concrete and lime and consolidated the walls with fresh lime and sand plaster.  The completed arcade will feature more authentic materials.

When the arcade is finished, Patronato hopes to move on to the East Tower project – long delayed due to funding problems.  The East Tower continues to deteriorate, but without sufficient support anticipated to complete the tower’s restoration, it’s not wise to begin stripping the exterior, exposing the structure to further damage.

The continued restoration of San Xavier would not be possible without your generous support.  We’re especially grateful now because we understand that the poor economy has affected everyone. Nonprofit organizations in particular have felt the recession deeply.  Many government grants have disappeared.  Historic preservation programs have been especially hard hit.

Despite public support, the White House and Congress have ended the Save America’s Treasures program, a public-private partnership through the National Trust. The program provided $250,000 in critical funding for the restoration of San Xavier’s West Tower in 2005.

Arizona’s legislature has repealed the historic preservation funding of the Arizona Heritage Fund that was created by voter initiative.  Earlier cuts to the program caused the State Parks board to rescind promised grants in 2009, including $150,000 to Patronato for work on the church’s East Tower.

These and other cuts put more pressure on nonprofits, private foundations and individuals to try to make up the difference.   We must count on friends to provide the necessary funds to continue.  Recently, the estate of James Geraghty has gifted $20,000 toward the East Tower project.  The Byrne Manson estate has made significant contributions to the Patronato Endowment Fund.  Please join these generous and thoughtful people and their families to help us finish the restoration of this great cultural legacy and provide for its perpetual care.

Take the tour!  Since spring 2011, docents for Patronato have been conducting scheduled free tours of the two-centuries-old church.

It’s the first organized tour program in the church’s history.  Qualified volunteers take visitors through a 45-minute program outlining the history and architecture, while fielding  tour questions.

“It was a logical step in expanding people’s appreciation for this national jewel,” said Vern Lamplot, Patronato’s executive director.  “If the church is to survive in the future, people must understand San Xavier’s importance to the history and culture of Arizona.  It is a unique treasure.”

The tour program is part of Patronato’s overall mission as a resource “solely and exclusively for historical, research, scientific and education purposes concerned with the restoration, maintenance and preservation of Mission San Xavier.”

“I think the number one comment that we hear is ‘I have been coming here for years and this is the first time I have understood everything I am seeing,’” said Al Lockwood who is the volunteer coordinator of the docent program.

In February 2011, Patronato sent out requests for volunteers.  The response was immediate.  More than 40 people came to the initial meeting, and the program has been growing ever since.  With about 20 members tour-qualified through self-study and practice, the docent program is now operating daily tours.

“The reservoir of affection for San Xavier in the community is not a surprise to those of us who love the church,” said Lamplot.  “But the speed that the docents organized themselves is amazing. It’s a tribute to the quality of our volunteers who have taken on the challenge of interpreting a National Historic Monument that is also an active Catholic parish.”

The tours have been a hit with visitors as well.  “The tour is well worth the time,” wrote one out-of-state visitor in the Mission’s guestbook, one of many comments about the docents.

“Thank you for arranging the Forum tour of the Mission.  (Docent) Sarah Tunnell was excellent, and everyone enjoyed San Xavier,” wrote another tour participant.

Special thanks go to Al Lockwood who coordinates the program and also to docents Carolyne and Jonathan Bass, San Xavier parishioners who schedule the tours and head the tour publicity committee.

The tour schedule can be found online at http://web.mac.com/patronato and, later this year, at http://www.patronatosanxavier.org.

If you have an interest in San Xavier and would like to join the docent program, call 520 407-6130 or email patronatoSX@earthlink.net.

“‘A Gift of Angels’ is crawling with facts and figures and more than 175 photographs — and is gorgeous to boot.” – Review of Arts, Literature, Philosophy and the Humanities

“We now have a rich and fulfilling record of the art and history of this important and cherished southwest Mission.” – Ted J. Crews

“‘A Gift of Angels: The Art of Mission of San Xavier del Bac’ is simply stunning…” – Midwest Book Review

Those of us who love the church at San Xavier know that it is an unlikely structure – an ornate, theatrically embellished building standing nearly alone in the desert, just above the flood plain of the Santa Cruz River. Its survival in the harsh and extreme environment of the Southwest through more than two centuries is perhaps even more unlikely.

Clues to its enduring hold on the imagination of so many may be found in the building itself. There is no more comprehensive guide to San Xavier than the volume, “A Gift of Angel: The Art of Mission San Xavier del Bac” by Patronato founder Bernard “Bunny” Fontana and photographer Edward McCain.

Fontana has devoted much of his life to studying and documenting the history and art of San Xavier. McCain is an award-winning photographer who has spent years shooting the interior of the multi-domed church.

The award-winning “big book,” published by UA Press in October 2010, sold more than 1,700 copies in its first six months. Retailing at $75, it is available directly from UA Press, local book stores and online. The UA Press is committed to keeping it in print.

(A.1)    5.2.11   SITE MEETING (9:00 a.m., 70º, clear)

 PRESENT:      Bob Vint, Vern Lamplot, David Carter, Jody Kopydlowski (SunState Equipment)

 DISCUSSED:     Weight of lift (4800 lbs) and affect upon floor and tile. To access high altar for visiting consultant, would need to build a long shallow ramp to go up three steps to altar. Total rise = 16-5/8”, @ 5% max slope ramp would need to be 16 ft. long past front of altar disrupting pews and mass. Decided to erect scaffolding rather than use a lift – Vern will arrange with Dave Brown of Safway.

(A.2)    5.3.11   SITE MEETING (8:00 a.m., 65º, part. clouds)

 PRESENT:      Bob Vint, Vern Lamplot, David Carter, Aneta Zebala, Suzanne Morris

 WORK IN PROGRESS:    Dave Brown & crew of SAFWAY erecting scaffold @ High Altar.

 DISCUSSED:    Viewed area to be inspected. During mass from 8:30 – 9:00 met in courtyard to discuss history & details of project. Toured project including roof. Aneta & Suzanne requested additional details and historical information; will meet with Bunny Fontana at his home/library this afternoon.

5.3.11 Observed termite damage at base of altar rail; J. Vidal to remove affected area & substitute matching mesquite; he already replaced the step to the main altar (left in photo) which had deteriorated.

Lion at altar rail

Termite damage below railing

(A.3)    5.6.11   SITE MEETING (7:00 a.m., 65º, part. clouds)

 PRESENT:      Bob Vint, Aneta Zebala, Suzanne Morris

 WORK IN PROGRESS:    Aneta & Suzanne completing evaluation of interior conditions.

 DISCUSSED:  Met in courtyard to discuss results of evaluation. Aneta requested (and Bob provided) a sample of the lime/sand/nopal plaster being used at the exterior. Discussed roof maintenance & condition including periodid lime mortar-washing and attempt to manage cracking with expansion/control joints. Discussed wood preservatives/insecticides to protect wood at altar railing in future [products named ‘Timbor’ and ‘Cedar-cide.].  BV will inform Johnny Vidal.

Aneta documents condition of St. Bartholomew in west transept 5.3.11.

Suzanne Morris & Aneta Zebala @ S. Xavier.

Viewed lime plaster roof; note seam in plaster at roof

(A.4)    5.12.11   SITE MEETING (9:00 a.m., 85º, part. clouds)

PRESENT:      Bob Vint, Danny Morales + crew of 4 [Alex, Freddy, Jorge, Sonny].

WORK IN PROGRESS:  Burnt adobe masonry @ rain sluices; shoring for arch to be jacked up.

DISCUSSED:  Danny has shifted Vince & Santi to Mission school to replace old classroom windows with dual-glazed windows for energy efficiency (work being done & paid for by Fr. Steve).  This will help the Patronato’s budget. Danny estimates another 4 weeks of work at the school, including roof maintenance.

5.12.11 Progress on canal (rain sluice) @ pier #2; burnt adobe is used at canales for greater moisture resistance.

5.12.11 Settled arch between piers # 3 & #4 – prepared for jacking back in place.

Jorge stabilizing foundation at northwest corner; 5.25.11

Joint @ north mud adobe wall and east brick wall of Sacristy; note adobe infill @ niche in adobe wall.

(A.5)    5.25.11    SITE MEETING (9:00 a.m., 85º, clear)

 PRESENT:      B. Vint, D. Morales & crew [Alex, Freddy, Jorge,  & Sonny – Vince & Santi @ school]

 WORK IN PROGRESS: Jorge repairing foundation and joint between adobe/brick @ NWX of arcade; Alex filling crack in east wall of east transept; Sonny re-pointing mortar joints @ upper section of E. wall.

 DISCUSSED:  Preparation for jacking up arch that settled last summer. Danny is stabilizing the arches on each side of the cracked arch prior to jacking up the center; there are 5 arches along the arcade — 2 to the north and 2 to the south of the arch that settled.

(A.6)    6.8.11    SITE MEETING (9:00 a.m., 90º, clear)

 PRESENT:          B. Vint, D. Morales, MRB crew [Sonny, Vince, Jorge, Santiago, Freddy, Alex].

 WORK IN PROGRESS: Sonny re-pointng mortar joints high on east wall of E transept @t level of beams; Freddy re-pointing arch to be lifted; Santi, George & Alex are working at the school painting the roof and installing windows.

 DISCUSSED: Danny will jack up the settled arch within 2-3 weeks prior to the monsoons. Therefore he will delay the traditional 4th of July Morales Co. vacation this year until August.

(A.7)    6.22.11    SITE MEETING (9:00 a.m., 90º, clear)

 PRESENT:          B. Vint, D. Morales, MRB crew [Sonny, Santi Jorge, Freddy].

 WORK IN PROGRESS:  Laying brick @ window sill of Chapter/museum room; brick repair @ Sacristy door jamb; continued re-pointing to top of Transept wall.

 DISCUSSED:  Sacristy door jambs in need of repair at anchor points in wall. Original wood door & jamb seem weak. Have been provisionally  repaired over the decades/centuries.

Danny views Sacristy door; it has been cobbled together and needs to be re-anchored & refurbished.

Detail of anchorage in common brick & cement mortar.

(A.8)    7.6.11    SITE MEETING (8:00 a.m., 95º, clear)

 PRESENT:  B. Vint, D. carter, D. Morales & MRB crew [Alex, Freddy, Jorge, Vincent, Santi & Sonny]

 WORK IN PROGRESS:  Jacking up center arch to re-load in compression; screw jacks in place, operated by Vince Morales and Freddy García; Sonnny repointng east wall of Church; Jorge @ southwest corner of arcade on foundation.

 DISCUSSED: Operation to save original arcade after last summer’s settlement is successful. Once crack above the arch has been packed with lime mortar, the shoring that is being used to lift the arch back in place will be removed. Danny has his full crew back now, having completed work @ Mission school.

Freddy assisting with lifting center arch back in position.

Freddy assisting with lifting center arch back in position.

7.6.11: Mission towers on the morning after a heavy monsoon rain – note difference in color of towers, the east tower still in cement plaster is holding moisture, while the lime plaster of the west tower has released whatever moisture it received.

(A.9)    7.19.11    SITE MEETING (8:00 a.m., 85º, cloudy)

PRESENT:  B. Vint,  D. Morales & MRB crew [Alex, Freddy, Jorge, Vincent, Santi & Sonny]

WORK IN PROGRESS:  Removing shoring from repositioned arch following completion of re-pointing.

Continued progress @ interior of arch w/re-pointing mortar joints @ east wall of church &

Chapter Rm.  Vince re-pointng base of east wall.

DISCUSSED: Need to bring in an electrician to clean up inactive wiring running above old ceiling. Must first trace circuits and determine which are active and which abandoned. All live wiring to be re-pulled in metal conduit, replacing all “Romex” (rubber shielded cable). Previous work at Mission was frequently done informally to residential standards, on a limited budget; we will now meet commercial standards.

7.19.11 - View of pointing mortar of lime & sand, with pointing trowels (tuck-pointers)

7.19.11 - View of pointing mortar of lime & sand, with pointing trowels (tuck-pointers)

(A.10)    8.2.11    SITE MEETING (9:00 a.m., 90º, clear)

PRESENT:  B. Vint, D. Carter, D. Morales & MRB crew [Alex, Freddy, Jorge, Vincent, Santi & Sonny]

WORK IN PROGRESS:  Continued scaffold removal at east arcade. David Carter accompanied Vint to discuss roof concern raised by interior restorers, Tim Lewis & Matlide Rubio, who observed discoloration at the interior and were concerned that this was a sign of humidity in the roof.

DISCUSSED:  White chalky stains @ interior of cupola appear to be efflorescence [soluble salts] – a  sign of moisture. The source of the moisture must be determined.  Moisture might seep in through the vault from rain water, or atmospheric humidity trapped at the interior may be absorbed into the plaster and activated hygroscopic salts present in the paint layers. Toured roof to view conditions – Vint tested with Protimeter moisture meter in several places around the roof, and found that moisture levels were in the range of 6%. (i.e. low) following  a monsoon rain the previous afternoon. Exterior of roof vaults is dry, as moisture is released by the lime plaster. The question to be answered is the condition at the interior, which will require a hydraulic lift to reach the underside of the cupola @ 52 ft. above floor level. Carter, Lamplot, Morales & Vint will coordinate this.

8.2.11 transom window above Sacristy door; historic crack likely dates to 1887 earthquake; crack continues to interior, and up & across Sacristy dome.

A Franciscan church: birds nest built above the ceiling on electrical junction box.

David Carter & Danny Morale inspect roof - 8.2.11

View of vault above Choir Loft - Tortoise shell pattern of expansion/control joints in plaster installed to limit cracking.

Interior of cupola 8/2/11; Tim & Matilde observed staining on interior of dome and notified Vern.

Detail reveals areas of efflorescence - a sign of humidity, as moisture draws salts to the surface. Will need to rent lift to reach the 52 ft. height of ceiling to test for dampness.

END OF REPORT