In the quiet town of Solomon, Arizona, stands a church that has been the heart of its community for nearly 150 years. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is not just a building—it’s a living testament to perseverance, devotion, and the power of faith.
The story starts in 1876, when Isadore E. Solomon donated land for a small chapel. Two years later, on May 3, 1878, the first Mass was celebrated. That simple adobe structure became a spiritual home for families who worked the land and built their lives in the Gila Valley.
As the Catholic population grew, so did the need for a larger church. By 1891, the chapel had been replaced with a new building and elevated to parish status, serving missions across southeastern Arizona. But that same year, a devastating fire reduced it to ashes. The people of Solomon didn’t give up—they rebuilt, stronger than before.
Another fire in 1911 damaged the church, yet once again, the community came together. In 1912, a new structure rose from handcrafted adobe bricks and timber cut from Mount Graham. This building, with its simple beauty and enduring strength, still stands today—a symbol of resilience and faith.
Over the years, Our Lady of Guadalupe became more than a parish. It was a gathering place, a school of faith, and a cultural anchor. From the founding of the San Jose Mission in 1894 to the arrival of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Missionaries in 1961, the church has shaped generations through worship and education.
In 1981, the church was designated a Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, recognizing its deep spiritual significance. Pilgrims and visitors come here not only for its history but for the peace and devotion it offers.
Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to thrive. Recent restoration efforts have preserved its original adobe walls and century-old timbers, ensuring that this sacred space remains a place of prayer and community for years to come.
Why It Matters:
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Located at 2257 S. First Ave., Solomon, AZ, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church invites you to experience its history, its beauty, and its spirit of welcome. Whether you come to pray, learn, or simply reflect, you’ll find a place where faith and community endure.