The Old Franciscan Missions Of CaliforniaJames, George Wharton
Religion
The Old Franciscan Missions Of California
James, George Wharton
Franciscans -- California; Spanish mission buildings -- California
One of the vistas of San Luis Obispo was a ranchería known as San
Miguelito, and here in 1809 the governor gave his approval that a chapel
should be erected. San Luis had several such vistas, and I am told that
the ruins of several chapels are still in existence in that region.
CHAPEL AT SANTA ISABEL (SAN DIEGO)
In 1816-19 the padres at San Diego urged the governor to give them
permission to erect a chapel at Santa Isabel, some forty miles away,
where two hundred baptized Indians were living. The governor did not
approve, however, and nothing was done until after 1820. By 1822 the
chapel was reported built, with several houses, a granary, and a
graveyard. The population had increased to 450, and these materially
aided San Diego in keeping the mountainous tribes, who were hostile,
in check.
A recent article in a Southern California magazine thus describes the
ruins of the Mission of Santa Isabel:
"Levelled by time, and washed by winter rains, the adobe
walls of the church have sunk into indistinguishable heaps of
earth which vaguely define the outlines of the ancient
edifice. The bells remain, hung no longer in a belfry, but on
a rude framework of logs. A tall cross, made of two saplings
nailed in shape, marks the consecrated spot. Beyond it rise
the walls of the brush building, _enramada_, woven of green
wattled boughs, which does duty for a church on Sundays and
on the rare occasions of a visit from the priest, who makes a
yearly pilgrimage to these outlying portions of his diocese.
On Sundays, the Captain of the tribe acts as lay reader and
recites the services. Then and on Saturday nights the bells
are rung. An Indian boy has the office of bell-ringer, and
crossing the ropes attached to the clappers, he skilfully
makes a solemn chime."
The graveyard at Santa Isabel is neglected and forlorn, and yet bears
many evidences of the loving thoughtfulness of the loved ones who
remain behind.
CHAPEL OF MESA GRANDE
Eleven miles or so from Santa Isabel, up a steep road, is the Indian
village of Mesa Grande. The ranchería (as the old Spaniards would call
it) occupies a narrow valley and sweep of barren hillside. On a level
space at the foot of the mountain the little church is built. Santo
Domingo is the patron saint.
A recent visitor thus describes it:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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