October 23, 1970

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On October 23, 1970, a horrible disaster happened at the San Juan chapel. After flying a plane over the roof, Frank Alexander, a former math teacher, radioed the closest control tower and ordered everyone to leave the church. Frank revealed that he had a serious plot when they questioned him about it.

This is the story of the San Juan church being destroyed by a plane crash in 1970.

Photo By Britney J Torres

Inside, a weekly meeting of sixty priests from all around the valley were in session. Two hundred kids were eating lunch in the church cafeteria next door. Despite the building catching fire, amazingly, everyone managed to escape unharmed. The church was destroyed, along with its rich antiques and statues. Frank was the only one killed in this tragedy.

My mother, who was raised in San Juan Tx, told me tales of this terrible tragedy. My mother's only real knowledge was that a plane was passing over the church and went directly to it.

Clover Elementary Photo By Britney J Torres

During that time, I spoke with and researched a number of people, including my aunt. She told me that she heard a huge explosion that day while she was at Doe Dines Elementary. My aunt was 10 years old during that time. The kids were simply following the teachers' instructions to form a line so they could all exit the school, even though they were all afraid.

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Legend has it that after Frank's mother passed away, he became so distraught that he turned his rage toward God. Depression can be very challenging for certain people. Therefore, if you see someone losing a loved one, step in and support them through it all, or at the very least, try to be there. I recognize that sometimes all individuals really need is some alone time. However, you shouldn't just leave individuals alone if you notice depressive symptoms. One or more lives may be saved by you.

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Frank's true motivation for his actions will likely never be known.

Photo By Britney J Torres Story By Britney J Torres

Many people like visiting the lovely church in San Juan that exists today. Therefore, I urge you to visit the San Juan Church if you haven't already and take in its breathtaking beauty. It's a terrific place to meet new people, or you can talk to the local fathers for additional information about the ancient church that was destroyed. There are monuments, so you might visit and learn about the past.

I would appreciate it if someone could provide additional information about this plot so that we can all benefit from its past.

Story By Britney J Torres

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