The oldest church in the continental United States is still functional today. 

Many sources consider San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico to be the oldest church in the country. 

Since its original creation, around 1610, the church has been home to many events, including religious services, ceremonies, celebrations and more. 

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Interested in a tour of the property?

Read on to learn more about this historic church.

1. What is San Miguel Chapel famous for?
2. What happened to San Miguel Chapel?
3. Is San Miguel Chapel still open today?

1. What is San Miguel Chapel famous for? 

The San Miguel Chapel is famous for being known as the oldest church in the United States. 

The church is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

It was constructed “under the direction of Franciscan friars to serve a small congregation of soldiers, laborers, and Indians who lived in the Barrio de Analco,” per the church’s website. 

San Miguel Chapel has gone through immense reconstruction since it was originally built.  (Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The first historical written record of the church dates back to 1628.

Yet many believe that the construction of the church dates back even further, according to the San Miguel Chapel website, with oral history putting the church’s creation around 1610, in tandem with the founding of Santa Fe. 

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The chapel was dedicated to Archangel Michael. 

A statue of him stands at the site of the church today, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

2. What happened to San Miguel Chapel? 

San Miguel Chapel has undergone reconstruction over the years. 

Documentation retained by the church, according to its website, shows that the chapel was heavily damaged, including the roof being burned during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, also known as Popé’s Rebellion. 

Visitors can view the 780 pound San Jose Bell that used to be in the bell tower. 

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In 1710, San Miguel Chapel was rebuilt. Further repairs funded by the mayor of Santa Fe were done in 1798, according to the church’s website. 

The community came together in 1887 for another rebuild when the church was in need of so many repairs, it was nearly demolished. 

While the rebuilding of San Miguel Chapel has changed the structure from what it was when it was originally built, the church is still full of history. 

For example, parts of the original walls still remain intact. 

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Additionally, guests can view the 780 pound San Jose Bell that used to be in the bell tower. 

Sadly, the tower fell in a storm back in 1872 — but the bell is still on display inside the chapel.

3. Is San Miguel Chapel still open today? 

San Miguel Chapel is still open today. 

San Miguel Chapel is full of history and unique architecture. The church is still open today.  (Buddy Mays/Getty Images)

In addition to the religious services that have been regularly held at the church for hundreds of years, it has also been used for a number of other events, such as concerts, celebrations and ceremonies.  

Visitors can go on a tour of the property, or attend one of the many events being held at the church. 

An events calendar can be found online to see if there is anything you can attend during your visit. 

A very special Father’s Day tribute was held today for Lupe Arellano, a Vietnam veteran, cancer survivor and father of seven kids.  

“He never wants anything in return,” his daughter-in-law MaryJane Arellano explained. “He’s just about giving.”  

Family says that after he came home from Vietnam, his desire to serve showed in his work ethic, working two jobs Monday through Friday while he helped raise seven children.  

“I’m a firefighter and there’s been many times when I’m at work and my dad comes to my rescue,” his son Danny said. “He’s basically my 911.”  

Danny and two of his brothers, Eric and Jayme, all work for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Lupe’s youngest son, Andrew, works as an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.  

“That’s all we ever knew, was service and teamwork,” Lupe’s daughter Lizette Revils, who works as a nurse, said. “There’s no finer man around than my dad.”  

Lupe, who comes from a large family himself, said he feels very proud of all his children, five boys and two girls.  

“All my kids have achieved something,” he said. “The wife and I have kind of helped them along sometimes, but not always. All parents want to help their kids along somehow. If I’m a very small part of that, I’m very proud.”  

KTLA Photojournalist Phil Ige contributed to this report.

Two people were killed, and multiple others were wounded in a shooting Saturday night in Texas during a Juneteenth Celebration.

The shooting happened at about 10:50 p.m. in Round Rock, Texas, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said at a press briefing.

Police are still searching for suspects. The number of shooters is unclear.

“It breaks your heart for a family that was coming out to enjoy their evening, and now their life is forever changed as a result of somebody who could care less about somebody else’s life” Banks said. “Thats so disappointing. Our goal is to put those folks behind bars and our goal is to get them put away for life.”

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At least six people were transported to hospitals with “potentially serious” injuries, emergency response officials said, ABC News reported.

The Austin-Travis County EMS said four adults and two children were transported to local trauma facilities.

Banks said two groups began fighting with each other near the vendor area during the Round Rock Juneteenth Festival at Old Settler’s Park when the shooting began. During the fight, at least one person pulled out a gun and opened fire.

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The shooting happened at about 10:50 p.m. in Round Rock, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Police officers and firefighters working at the event quickly responded to the shooting. They applied tourniquets to the wounded and performed CPR.  

A description of the suspect was not released by police, as Banks said there were multiple descriptions of the suspect and different accounts of what happened during the shooting.

Banks said activities scheduled at the park for Sunday morning have been canceled, but should be opened again by the afternoon for Father’s Day activities.