While we are on the subject of adobe churches in the Taos area
According to an article in the Taos Horsefly
the 2,900 square foot church was completed in 1834 by the Penitentes
The adobe walls are 5' thick at the base and taper to 3' thick at the top.
The church was restored in the 1990's when the cement stucco
was removed and replaced with an earthen plaster.
The cement has a tendency to trap moisture in the adobe wall,
compromising the strength of the wall.
The flagstone at the base makes a nice detail.
The earthen plaster sparkles with naturally occurring mica
on this buttress.
