By R.L. Cultrona
History of the Santa Barbara Mission
Santa Barbara is home to one of the most famous of the 21 California Missions. Its history and culture give many visitors and parishioners a wonderful experience year after year.
Dedication.
Mission Santa Barbara was dedicated in 1782 by Father Serra, founder of the California Mission system. The site would not be built upon for four years. By that time, Father Serra had died, and Father Lausen would be the one to formally found the mission.
Destruction
Several churches were built on the site, each larger than the last. An earthquake in 1812 had destroyed much of the church on the grounds, and a new one was erected by 1820.
Secularization
After Mexico became independent, it began to take the missions. Santa Barbara was able to escape this fate because the head of the mission system moved to Santa Barbara, and his presence kept it in the hands of the church.
Americans
By the time Mexico could get the mission, the Americans had moved in to take California. The church remained in Catholic hands, and the city of Santa Barbara was founded in 1850.
Today
Even though the mission has been damaged by earthquakes several times, it still remains in use today. It is still held by Franciscan monks, making it the only mission to never have been held by a secular body.
Resources
About the Author:
R.L. Cultrona is a San Diego native and a graduate of San Diego State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater, television and film with a minor in communications and political science. She began writing online instructional articles in June 2009.
Photo Credits:
http://www.e-vlad.net/photos/California/Santa_Barbara-2006/images/Santa_Barbara-08_Santa_Barbara_Mission.jpg
