San Xavier Day

Houses of worship are revered around the world, and I have found them to be home to some of the finest artistry and craftsmanship ever created. Whenever I visit a new city, they are often among my first photographic destinations. In Tucson, Arizona, the San Xavier Mission is one of those remarkable places. Its magnificent façade, the north courtyard, and the richly decorated interior all offer exceptional photographic opportunities. Winter is an especially pleasant time to visit, so I chose February 14, a Wednesday that happened to be Ash Wednesday—the beginning of Lent, the six-week season of fasting, reflection, and penance for many Christians.

I arrived well before sunrise and headed directly to the back of the mission on the north side. As I photographed the exterior, the sexton, John, wandered over to check on my progress. He suggested that I move my tripod a few feet in one direction, then another, as I worked. Curious, I asked where he had learned so much about photographic composition. He smiled and told me that, years earlier, in 1968, he had assisted a photographer named Ansel Adams.
You can imagine how quickly my attention sharpened. Suddenly, I was hanging on every word.

John insisted that I accompany him into the nave. Once inside, he pointed proudly toward his favorite view. In the dim light, I couldn’t see what had captured his imagination, but he was convinced it was an image that needed to be made. So, somewhat reluctantly, I set up my Sinar camera, composed the photograph, and loaded a sheet of Velvia film. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice one of my precious black-and-white sheets for an image I couldn’t yet appreciate.
I exposed only one sheet of film. Then I looked over at John with an expression that said, “Are you satisfied now?”

After the film was developed, my jaw dropped. The photograph was almost perfectly composed and beautifully exposed. Making the final prints was far more demanding, but the effort was worth it. Frank Green, from Los Angeles, worked his magic in the enlarger and produced several stunning 20×24-inch prints. One became a gift for my daughter. Another hangs in my bedroom, and the third was sent back to Tucson.

Several years later, my college friend Janet Bollinger delivered one of the finished prints to John. Janet told me that he didn’t immediately remember our encounter, but as soon as he saw the photograph from that Ash Wednesday morning, recognition came flooding back. She said he was moved to tears, overjoyed that the image he had envisioned had finally become a reality.

I’d like to take credit for the photograph, but I can’t. I believe the Spirit created that image—I simply happened to be holding the camera.

If you ever find yourself in Tucson, take the time to visit the San Xavier Mission on the south side of town. And if you happen to meet John, tell him I sent you.