Christian Photographers Community

This mission, dating from the 1700s, was founded by French and Spanish Franciscans, seeking to bring the natives of the area into civilization.   They offered reliable food (from the irrigation projects including a new aqueduct), safety from the marauding Apaches, and conversion to Christianity.

The natives were generally peaceful and receptive, although in the early years diseases like measles took a toll.

Many of the Indians lived in tiny apartments built against the defensive walls around the mission, others lived on ranches and farms outside the walls.   The church is tiny; a larger and more ambitious one was abandoned; it became a graveyard.

A few years ago, two very valuable statues from that period were stolen from the altar.  Although this church remains a living parish, the area is national park service land.  Hopefully, they will find the culprit who bought them.   Apparently, a few of the very wealthy will pay great sums for stolen art.

very interesting info. Great shots of the misson. I have been to  The mission at carmel, a friends brother was married there.

I've been there, too, Barbarian.  It's an interesting place to go.  We've been to most of the missions in Calif. now.  The movie, "Vertigo" revolves around the one at San Juan Bautista. (Cary Grant)

Thank you.   I should mention that the close-up of the altar is by Mrs. Barbarian.