M is for Mission San Diego de Alcala
(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge. My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are  typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is M.)
Gracia Burnham and Bill
San Diego has Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Mission Boulevard, Mission Center Road, Mission Valley, Mission Village, Rancho Mission Road, Mission Gorge Road. I wonder if visitors to San Diego get confused by all the “Missions”?
Mission San Diego History
San Diego Mission de Alcala founded on July 16, 1769 by Father Junipero Serra. The mission has a long and colorful history.
The original mission was on a site overlooking the bay, near where the Presidio is now.
The mission remained at this site for only five years. Because of insufficient water supply, infertile soil and the intimidating presence of the Spanish military on the Native Americans, the decision to move the mission six miles east. The new, and current, site was close to the San Diego River and the Native American villages.
Indian Revolt of 1775
In 1775, the newly moved mission was attacked by 800 Native Americans, and sacked. It was a coordinated force of many alliances and villages. For a thorough discussion of this era of San Diego history, see the Journal of San Diego History.
Mission Bells
One of the bells is original – it is one of the larger bells and it is distinguishable because it has a conan or crown on top of it and is dated 1802. When the King of Spain wanted bells forged for the missions, he required that they have a crown. The other large bell is made up of remnants from the original bells.
Current Mission Use
The Mission today is an active Catholic Parish in the Diocese of San Diego. Multiple masses are served each week.
The Mission is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit. The courtyards bloom with flowers. Fruit trees abound. The museum is very interesting, too. You can envision a quiet slice of Old California. The Visitor Center, Museum, and Gift Shop is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The pictures in this post were all taken last May when Gracia Burnham, author of In the Presence of My Enemies, visited us. She really enjoyed touring the Mission and museum, too.
You can find the San Diego Mission in Mission Valley, on San Diego Mission Drive, down the hill from Mission Village. You can get there via Rancho Mission Road, off of Friar’s Road. It’s close to Mission Gorge Road. (And about 8 miles from Mission Beach, Mission Bay, and Mission Boulevard. Smile.)
https://www.donnaamisdavis.com/mission-san-diego-de-alcala/San DiegoSan Diego A to ZMission San Diego,San Diego(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge. My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are  typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is M.) San Diego has Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Mission...Donna Amis DavisDonna Amis Davis[email protected]AdministratorDonna Amis Davis
So, what’s the story with that mission that’s atop Presidio Park? Is it just a replica for the tourists?
Apparently that is the site of where the Spanish garrison was stationed. No original buildings remain. The white building houses the Serra Museum, commissioned by George Marston of department store fame in 1928-29. I call it the Presidio, but that’s actually incorrect.
I have been enjoying your San Diego posts we go there every year to visit my grandsons, and my son and daughter in law got married at this Mission many years ago 20, they still attend church here were my grandsons are active alter boys. I have enjoyed your visits to the zoo, to LaJolla, and especially the big blue bridge to Coronado Island, never knew about the ferries. Keep it up
Thank you so much, Dorothy! Our former next-door neighbors attend church at the Mission, too, or did. It is so picturesque.
Oh, I visited this wonderful mission a few years ago – so gorgeous. San Diego is wonderful! I look forward to your posts, thanks so much.
Sue
http://www.door2lore.com/3/post/2014/04/luggage-what-to-pack.html
Glad you got to enjoy some San Diego time! Thanks for stopping by.
Donna, I love that photo! I want to drive up the Ca. coast visiting all the missions…some day.
I know! Me too. What a great series of blog posts that would be.
The photo is beautiful! 🙂 Loved your post.