Spanish Colonial Style Retablos and More: The Wood Iron Factory's Efforts at St. Augustine's Cathedral in Tucson, Arizona

Situated in Tucson, Arizona, the Cathedral of St. Augustine is a beautiful, Spanish colonial baroque style structure. In fact, while we are focused in particular today on the excellent work of The Wood Iron Factory, a San Diego based company specializing in architectural and liturgical woodwork and design, we cannot help but pause for a moment to share with our readers at least a couple of historical gems from the great church, not least of which being the beautiful Spanish colonial style baroque facade, built in the early twentieth century and replacing the previously incomplete and more gothic oriented facade.

We would also be remiss to not point out one of the historical gems of the cathedral, the Pamplona crucifix. The Pamplona crucifix is a medieval Spanish crucifix, made in Pamplona, that was gifted to the cathedral in the early 1980's. The crucifix is monumental in size, reaching an overall height of 17 feet and weighing around 2000 pounds.  It's visual presence dominates the interior of the cathedral.

The Pamplona Crucifix

But as beautiful and monumental as both of these are -- worthy of attention and articles in their own right -- today we are rather focused on something more contemporary; namely, the work that The Wood Iron Factory executed at this cathedral as part of the ongoing beautification efforts that have been taking place here throughout both the twentieth and twenty-first centuries: 

From The Wood Iron Factory:

Our scope of work encompassed the fabrication and installation of new pews and choir stalls, as well as the careful restoration of the Cathedral’s altar furniture—elements central to the liturgical life and architectural identity of the space. 

In commemoration of the Cathedral’s 50th Anniversary, we were also commissioned to design and manufacture two 22k gold leaf retablos. Drawing from traditional sacred art and historical ecclesiastical craftsmanship, the retablos were conceived as both devotional and architectural features, honoring centuries-old techniques while integrating harmoniously with the Cathedral’s existing design. The use of hand-applied gold leaf reflects a lineage of sacred artistry intended to elevate the spiritual experience of the faithful and mark this milestone anniversary with enduring beauty and reverence.

Retablos always gain a great deal of attention, so that is where we shall begin our focus today. Two retablos were created, sitting where traditional side altars would normally sit -- which is to say, within the secondary naves (or side aisles if you prefer).  One will see not only the beauty of the craftsmanship, but also how they continue the Spanish colonial theme, particularly the retablo dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The second retablo is a little bit different insofar as it includes a Byzantine style icon of Christ Pantocrator, but otherwise it maintains the Spanish colonial style. 

Detail of some of the decorate gilding around the tabernacle

In addition to these beautiful retablos, The Wood Iron Factory also executed new sanctuary furnishings for the cathedral, not least of which a beautiful new gothic style cathedra which meshes nicely with the beautiful and historical medieval crucifix. 

Worth paying attention too as well are the beautiful gilt, wooden candlesticks.

Finally, in churches of the New World at least, pews are one of those elements that are oft-neglected and yet considered essential, and this was yet another aspects of this renovation that The Wood Iron Factory undertook for the cathedral.

All said, a beautiful and inspiring project. It is good to see more approaches to the Spanish colonial style, particularly in places where these are the cultural and historical roots of the area. 

If you'd like more information on how The Wood Iron Factory could help you or your parish in your own renovation and beautification efforts, we would invite you to see their website.

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