PortugalPortoMissionfrom1996to2003
São João da Madeira
São João da Madeira lies about 45 minutes south of Porto. This area forms the southern tip of an industrial corridor running north to Gaia, Porto, Maia, and Famalicão. São João da Madeira is known for the center of shoe manufacturing. Leather work is such an central part of the economy that many of the statues decorating the rotundas (roundabouts)are of shoe makers or leather preparation. São João da Madeira is also known to motorists for its many rotundas.
Chapel in São João da Madeira
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The chapel in São João da Madeira was constructed by the church. The floor plan is unique and must have been built before the Church settled on a standard plan. The Sacrament room can double as a recreation hall when the chairs are removed. The pulpit can also be removed so that the raised platform can serve as a stage. There is a second story with class rooms and offices.
This is a view of the side of the chapel. The occasion was the celebration of the wedding of Fatima and Monecas. Like most weddings, there was a delay, so everyone was waiting in the shade on the side of the building.
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New Branch President
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In 1997 a new branch president was chosen for the São João da Madeira branch. The new branch president was Vitor Tavares. Afterwards a number of members wanted a group picture to be taken. The missionaries are Elder Fernandes and Cullimor, and Sisters Riddle and Checketts. The members are ? and child, ?, Presidente Tavares, President Hilário, President Vasco, (I need help with the others.)
Zone conference in the chapel. Nearly all chapels in Portugal have folding chairs. That way chairs can be rearranged or moved so the room also can serve as a cultural hall. Pictured here are Sisters Ridding, Checketts, Riding, Stevens, and Santana. Also, Elders Fernandes (back), Anderson,?, Hadley, and Karren. (I need help with the others.) Interior of the chapel
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Castle of Santa Maria da Feira
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Nearby, in the city of Santa Maria da Feira is one of the more completely restored castles in Portutal. All the wall fortifications are complete. The inner tower is complete. Often the castle is used for as a backdrop for weddings and receptions.
The country east of São João da Madeira becomes hilling, mountainous, and covered with vegetation. High up one of these mountains is the high water fall, which Paul West is admiring. Falls near São João
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Convent in Arouca
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The town of Arouca is located a short distance east of São João da Madeira. Arouca was founded in 716 AD. A former convent is now used as a museum. The small chapel contains the mummy of Queen Mafalda (1203-52). The convent has a large kitchen with a large wash basin. In the picute notice that the basic is made out of granite. The water flows into the basin from the granite wall decoration.
The road north from Arouca returning to Porto via the Douro river valley is not only beautiful, but the home of another important Portuguese industry, stone work. This is a picture taken along the roadside by a stone cutting facility. Here you can see the rough cut stone slabs that will eventually become table and counter tops or paving for entrance ways. Granite and marble are the same price as carpet. As a result it is used more than carpet as a building material. Granite slabs
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