MARFA — The Friends of the Ruidosa Church nonprofit announced today that El Corazón Sagrado de la Iglesia de Jesús — the historic adobe church on the border — has been named to the first national list of Endangered Latinx Landmarks, released by Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC). The 2025 list recognizes 13 sites across 10 states that represent migration, resilience, cultural expression and survival — and that now face urgent threats including demolition, neglect, displacement and climate change.
The Ruidosa Church, located 36 miles west of Presidio in Ruidosa dates back to 1915 and is significant because it was the focal point of a thriving farm community on the Rio Grande. With the damming of the Rio Grande in New Mexico, the river dried and most of the population drifted away, leaving the church abandoned in the 1950s. After years of neglect and suffering in the weather, the grand church with two bell towers and a giant arched roof was in such disrepair that the Catholic Diocese planned to raze it. In the early 2000s, some renovations were made by volunteers and the Diocese donated it to Presidio County, but ultimately the Friends nonprofit was formed and was given the property by the county. Since then, intensive renovations efforts have been underway, funded by donations and grants.
“What makes the church so significant and special is that it’s a foundation for the rich, lengthy history of a thriving Mexican American community on a remote section of the Rio Grande.” said Friends President Mike Green. “Our renovation will bring the stories to life — of weddings, quinceañeras, funerals and community celebrations. This designation will add to that call to relive those memories and bring more people to the site to learn more about Ruidosa for a better appreciation of how it contributed to life in the Big Bend.”
According to Latinos in Heritage Conservation, the 13 sites on this year’s list have an average founding year of 1927, nearly a century old. While many sites of similar age already enjoy federal protection, Latinx landmarks remain underrepresented: fewer than 1% of properties on the National Register of Historic Places reflect Latinx history.
“Preservation is about equity, recognition, and survival,” said Sehila Mota Casper, executive director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation. “Sites like the Ruidosa church hold the everyday stories that built this country, and naming them is the first step toward protecting them.”
About Friends of the Ruidosa Church
Friends is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of the historic landmark on the Rio Grande River. The organization holds regular adobe-making days to build its stock of bricks for renovation and teach local communities about brick making. The nonprofit also will hold its annual Community Day on Saturday, November 1, at the church in Ruidosa. Free food, drink and music will be provided. Stay tuned to the full schedule of events at facebook.com/FriendsofRuidosaChurch , ruidosachurch.org and @ruidosachurch.
About Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC)
Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing historic preservation in Latinx communities. Through advocacy, education, and grantmaking, LHC empowers communities to protect places that matter. See the full list of landmarks at latinoheritage.us.