The Holy Cross Parish was given to the Discalced Carmelite Fathers of Arizona by an episcopal decree dated December 17, 1913. This is a photo of the church that was rebuilt in 1914.

The original church built in 1900 was destroyed by three successive dynamite blasts: July 11, 1913, August 2, 1913, and September 18, 1913.

One of the blasts destroyed the front part of the rectory and the priest's life was saved because only moments before he had gone to the back of the house.

My mother recalls that when she asked her mother why it was destroyed, Mama Teresita answered, "Por que nos odiaban." (They hated us.)

Another view of Holy Cross Church in 1914 showing the Longfellow Inn on the hill across the way. That hill was one of the first parts of Morenci to be invaded by the mine in the late 50's.

Holy Cross Sanctury 1914.

My mother and most of my aunts were married in front of this altar.