Built in phases following the establishment of the parish in 1986, facilities for the Catholic congregation include a parish hall and offices (1992), classrooms (c. 1993), and a church (2009). El Paso–based David Alvidrez organized the functions of the master plan within opposing semicircular end walls, the first for the parish hall and the second for the church, with a rectangular block in between. All units are constructed of split-face concrete masonry units, economical yet possessing the character of stone. The curved walls are expressed as planes rather than volumes, with thick edges exposed and tall glazed walls inserted where rectangular incisions interrupt the curve. Alvidrez’s work has a strong basis in modernist planning and organization, while using materials to make a connection that evokes the parched landscape of El Paso. Regional artisans and craftsmen contributed art works: the stained glass is by Jeff Smith of Fort Davis, tapestries are by John Nava of Ojai, California, and liturgical furnishings by Kenneth J. Griesemer of Albuquerque.
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St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Church
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