The Old Franciscan Missions Of CaliforniaJames, George Wharton
Religion
The Old Franciscan Missions Of California
James, George Wharton
Franciscans -- California; Spanish mission buildings -- California
But California has also utilized to a remarkable degree in greater or
lesser purity the distinctive features of the Mission style, as I have
above enumerated them, in modern churches, hospitals, school-houses,
railway depots, warehouses, private residences, court-houses,
libraries, etc.
[Illustration: HIGH SCHOOL, RIVERSIDE, CALIF. In modern Mission
architecture.]
[Illustration: WALL DECORATIONS ON OLD MISSION CHAPEL OF SAN ANTONIO DE
PALA.]
[Illustration: ARCHES AT GLENWOOD MISSION INN, RIVERSIDE, CALIF.]
Of greater importance, however, than the development of what I regard
as a distinct style of architecture, is the development of the Mission
_spirit_ in architecture. Copying of past styles is never a proof of
originality or power. The same spirit that led to the creation of the
Mission Style,--the creative impulse, the originality, the vision, the
free, imaginative power, the virility that desires expression and
demands objective manifestation,--_this_ was fostered by the Franciscan
architects. This spirit is in the California atmosphere. A considerable
number of architects have caught it. Without slavish adherence to any
style, without copying anything, they are creating, expressing, even as
did the Franciscan padres, beautiful thoughts in stone, brick, wood and
reinforced concrete. In my _magnum opus_ on _Mission Architecture_,
which has long been in preparation, I hope clearly to present not only
the full details of what the padres accomplished, but what these later
creative artists, impelled by the same spirit, have given to the world.
CHAPTER XXXIV
THE GLENWOOD MISSION INN
It is an incontrovertible fact that no great idea ever rests in its own
accomplishment. There are offshoots from it, ideas generated in other
minds entirely different from the original, yet dependent upon it for
life. For instance, which of the Mission fathers had the faintest
conception that in erecting their structures under the adverse
conditions then existing in California, they were practically
originating a new style of architecture; or that in making their crude
and simple chairs, benches and tables they were starting a revolution in
furniture making; or that in caring for and entertaining the few
travelers who happened to pass over _El Camino Real_ they were to
suggest a name, an architectural style, a method of management for the
most unique, and in many respects the most attractive hotel in the
world. For such indeed is the Glenwood Mission Inn, at Riverside,
California, at this present time.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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