The Spanish Missions were founded in Alta California during the time period between 1769 and 1823. Basically, the Russians were threatening to take over the Spanish claimed lands on the West Coast of America. To strengthen the Spanish claim over these lands, Padres were sent to establish a Mission and teach the natives the Catholic faith as well as mold the natives into useful subjects under the Spanish Monarchy.
Over time, 21 missions were built along El Camino Real (The King’s Highway) with each mission being located exactly one days walk from the last. Even now, the missions are along a path, marked out with bells, followed by many Catholic pilgrims.
Mission San Luis Rey
Mission San Luis Rey is known as The King of the Missions because of its grand size. The original mission compound covered almost 6 acres. Much of the Mission was a court yard that was often used for festivals and entertainment–even for bull fighting! The current courtyard is about 1/4 the original size. Within the courtyard walls still grows the first pepper tree to ever be planted in California.
The mission is used as a museum, and Mass services are still held in the Chapel.
The interior walls, windowsills, and doorways are an excellent example of the combination of form and function. As we walked through the museum and chapel, I was in awe of the way that the builders–Padres and Friars had taken the time to make everything both functional and beautiful. The walls of the chapel (as well as the doorways and windowsills throughout the Mission) were painted with beautiful Spanish-infuenced designed. The doors had intricate carving and decorative blacksmithing to welcome you into a chamber.
In the chapel, I happened to look up at the beams above the pulpit–carved with an intricate leaf design and polished to a shine. I was reminded that even if no one will ever see your work, God sees it. He will reward you for a job well done.
Mission San Luis Rey Garden
I wasn’t able to take any pictures inside the mission because the museum requested no photography. To see historical drawings and photos of Mission San Luis Rey, check out this site. You can also see a few photos of the inside of the church here.
