In a time of deficits and budget cuts, historical projects and restorations are often put on hold or overlooked in favor of other ventures. But the neighborhoods and historical societies near the base of Sentinel Peak, or “A” Mountain, are determined to move forward with those projects that are closest to their hearts – the gardens and shrines that commemorate the “birthplace of Tucson,” and those who were a part of it.
A shrine honoring Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, located at 930 W. Mission Lane, is scheduled to be dedicated on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m., said Raúl Ramírez, a member of the Kino Heritage society. Ramírez constructed the shrine with Gilbert Fiembres and Pedro Gonzáles in August.
The dedication will be performed by Father Corbally, who, much like the shrine’s subject himself, is a Jesuit and an astronomer.
Kino was among the first priests to visit the Native American community living in the Tucson area, and always wanted to establish a mission at the base of what is now Sentinel Peak, Ramírez said. Kino died in 1711 before a mission was constructed but his work was carried on by another missionary, Father Garcés, who founded Mission San Agustín in 1770.
In addition to the shrine, which was privately funded and currently resides on the property of Phil Webber, there are other projects in the works, including the restoration, or “greening” of Mission Garden and a wall that is slated to be built around it.
These projects are all in the Sentinel Peak area, which, according to the Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace, is the first area in Tucson to be inhabited by humans. Tucson got its name from the O’odham language, derived from a similar-sounding word, “Chuk Shon,” which roughly translates to “base of black mountain.”
Historical restoration falls under the umbrella of Rio Nuevo, but due to the current budget constraints facing the city, the funds are not available for these projects, partially due to the allocation of money for a convention hotel and community center, Ramírez said. He hopes the shrine can stand as a reminder to the city of the work that is yet to be done.
“Part of the rationale to do the shrine is that we would like to see the projects completed,” Ramírez said.
