SAN JUAN Explore
Mission San Juan Capistrano
A FRANCISCAN MASTERPIECE
Known by many architects as the “American Acropolis,” the Great Stone Church was the largest church of the original 21 California missions, and the only one made of stone. Along with Mission San Juan Capistrano, it was hand built by the region’s native people—the Acjachemen. This unique church is what earned Mission San Juan Capistrano the moniker “Jewel of the Missions.”
The founding priest, recently canonized Saint Junipero Serra, commenced other features unique to the Mission such as its claim the state’s first vineyard, winery and iron forge. These aspects were developed because the missions were intended by the King of Spain to become a community center for learning, crafting and culture. Loyalties have changed since its establishment in 1776, but the Mission’s role in the community is as essential as ever. Though it was a thriving agricultural hub in its childhood, Mission San Juan Capistrano went through a slight identity crisis during its formative years. As Spain ceded California to Mexico, religious power was yielded to
the state. Forced to secularize, the Mission was stripped of its prop- erty and all inhabitants were evicted, except the Mission’s resident priest who continued to hold mass in the Serra Chapel. Eventually, the grounds were empty of religious leaders and left to erode unchecked. While almost lost to the elements, a turning point came in 1895 when the Landmarks Club of Los Angeles provided funding to re-roof the quadrangle—the buildings enclosing the courtyard—which slowed
weathering enough to keep things standing until more work could be done. That work came in 1910 from the hands of an ill traveler seek- ing fulfillment, who stepped off the train and was so awestruck by the beauty of the Mission he dedicated the rest of his life to repairing it. His name was Father St. John O’Sullivan. As the first resident Father in decades, O’Sullivan restored both the Mis- sion’s sense of community and its structural integrity. Because of his success, Father O’Sullivan was gifted the 400-year-old, gold- leafed Spanish-crafted retablo for use behind the altar in the Serra Chapel.
Father O’Sullivan’s efforts have paid off, resulting in a place that feels timeless. His preservation work is continued to this day by an in-house team of profession- als dedicated to maintaining the sparkle of the “Jewel of the Mis- sions.” Preservation efforts have spanned in size over time—from small projects like restoring the original centuries-old silver pro- cessional pieces and retrofitting temperature and humidity con- trols in the museum, to restoring the gatehouse and constructing the Mission Gift Shop. The Mission Preservation Foundation’s successful efforts are enabled by a passionate com-
18 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS DIRECTORY & VISITOR GUIDE
VISITSJC.COM
munity that regularly fills the Mis- sion courtyard for annual events and gatherings. Music Under the Stars—concerts held during the summer to fundraise— always sell out early and events such as the Battle of the Mariachis and the Romance of the Mission Benefit Galas are as popular as ever. Events such as these, combined with membership and admittance fees, have resulted in millions of dollars going to preser- vation projects. For those interested in experi- encing the serene atmosphere in a historically authentic way, there is an array of options. Na- tive American basket weaving classes, adobe brick making, gold panning and other activi- ties happen weekly year round. If you are looking for an artistic or spiritual experience, the Serra Chapel—the last surviving cha- pel where Saint Junipero Serra held mass—features examples of artwork and religious relics dating from more than 200 years ago and services are still held there today.—Alex Paris
The Mission is located in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Ortega Highway and Camino Capistrano. For more information on Mission San Juan Capistrano’s signature events, visit
missionsjc.com. Discover the Mission’s on-going programming on page 10.
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