Original Saint Genevieve's Church in Las Cruces

Birthplace of LCCT

A simple church structure, the forerunner of St. Genevieve's, was erected near the center of town prior to 1850.

In the 1880's, Mother Superior Praxedes Carty of Loretto Academy led an active campaign to renovate or rebuild St. Genevieve's Church, which was deteriorating badly. The Church, which was named for a young woman who saved Paris from Attila-led Huns in the fifth century, had been constructed in 1859 under the leadership of Father Manuel Chavez. Helped by parishioners like Colonel Eugene Van Patten (who was played by Ray Carter during the city's 150th anniversary celebration), Mother Praxedes convinced Father Pierre Lassaigne to begin a rebuilding fund.

After $3000 had been contributed, construction began. Mother Praxedes' name headed the subscription list, and whenever funds ran low, she organized another fair or bazaar. By late 1886, an imposing French style brick cathedral with landmark forty-four foot high twin spires rose, at a cost of $9000 to replace the old adobe. By 1887, bells cast by Padre Donato Rogiere were added, but replaced by new bells in 1904.

The church served Las Cruces from its central location on Main Street for eight more decades until structural detetioration and impending "urban renewal" forced its demolition in 1967. Proceeds from sale of the site helped construct the new St. Genevieve's at 100 South Espina.