Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana

 (1797-1834) - A Spanish mission established in 1797 by Father Fermin Lasuen in present day Mission Hills, Los Angeles County, California. Associated with the Presidio of Santa Barbara. Named for Catholic Saint Ferdinand. Secularized in 1834. Also known as Mission San Fernando.

The Spanish Period (1769-1821)


The Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana was founded on 8 Sep 1797, by Father Fermin Lasuen, as the 17th of twenty-one Spanish missions founded in California. The site selected was almost midway between Mission San Gabriel and Mission San Buenaventura and close to the pueblo of Los Angles.

The mission was built in a traditional quadrangle with the mission church at the north end of the quadrangle. Adobe buildings surrounding the remaining three sides of the quadrangle included workshops and quarters.

The Convento building was built between 1808 and 1822 adjacent to the quadrangle and served as a hospice (hotel) for visitors and travelers along the mission road. This was a large adobe building 243' by 50' with a long colonnade of 21 arches (counting the two on the ends) and a central entrance into a large reception room (La Sala). This entrance and reception room served as the main entrance into the mission and welcomed all visitors. Other Rooms in the Convento included a 1,700 volume library and a VIP suite (Governor's Room) for distinguished visitors. The restored Convento is the only remaining original building on the present mission grounds.

Next to the Convento was the mayordomo's quarters. The mayordomo was like the forman of the mission and oversaw day-to-day operations except for religious and military activities. His quarters were probably the most comfortable in the mission outside of the VIP quarters in the Convento.

The initial church building was complete two months after the mission was dedicated but it was just the first of the church buildings. Earthquakes were especially hard on the church because of the height. The church was rebuilt twice during the mission period and twice during modern times. In 1811 the mission population was at 1,081 and remained above 1,000 until 1821. This period of high population coincided with the Mexican Revolution when the missions were on their own and had to support themselves and the associated Presidios. Spain withdrew support for the whole California mission chain during the revolution. During this period the mission prospered, by 1819 the livestock on the 121,542 acre mission lands totaled 21,745 head (cattle, horses and sheep). The mission also produced large quantities of wheat, barley, corn, beans, grapes and fruit. The Convento was built during this period to deal with ever increasing numbers of visitors and travelers on mission road.

Mexican Period (1822-1846)
Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana was secularized in 1834. In 1845, Mexican Governor Pio Pico leased the mission property to his brother Andres Pico as his summer home.

The American Period (1846-Present)
Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana was returned to the Catholic Church in 1861.

Current Status
Active Roman Catholic Church in Mission Hills, Los Angeles County, California.

Sources:

Links:
 * Wikipedia - Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana
 * Wikipedia - Convento Building
 * Mission Tour - Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana
 * Mission History