Mission San Fernando, Rey de España

Uncovering the first historic hidden gem, Mission San Fernando, Rey de España. The mission, as the locals call it is located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, next to the Sierra Mountains.  It is the seventeenth mission founded in California. Padre Fermín Francisco de Lasuén (1736-1803) founded the mission on September 8, 1797. On this beautiful funday morning, our tour cost five dollars. Juan Miguel, our tour guide said, “The object of the mission was to convert the natives to Christianity.” http://www.missiontour.org/sanfernando/

Mission San Fernando, Rey de España is one of the most impressive mission’s today. It is a two–story structure that measures 243 feet in length. Construction on the mission began in 1810 and was finally completed in 1822. The roof is supported by twenty-one Roman arches, which reflect Europe style during that era.  

On display at the museum inside the mission are various indigenous arts and tools, such as, pottery, stonerollers, and corn. In the 1800’s the mission was considered a thriving industrial center. Think of the mission like the government of today, they owned everything.

 Another cool room inside the museum was the Bishops room. “ The bed frame and trunk are original,” said Miguel.  

Interestingly, the European exploration is reflected a lot at the Mission. They dedicated one room entirely to its early explorers, such Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, Sebastián Vizcaíno, Francis Drake, Sebastián Rodríguez Cermeño, and finally, Gaspar de Portolá. Miguel mentioned, the mission’s today accredit these early European explorers as founders of Christianity in California as well.  

The tour is officially over, the bell starts to ring. Its 10:30 am, Mass is about to start. The church is full and everyone is waiting for the Father Raul to arrive. Inside the church it is breathtaking; it’s decorated with gold and marble. The ambiance is so peaceful and loving.

  The mission itself is beautiful and well preserved; it is funded annually by the city and donations through Sunday Mass.  A fun fact about this particular mission, it’s the resting place of Bob Hope.

If anyone is looking for a family outing or funday, historic sites such as Mission San Fernando, Rey de España are perfect. Remember, there are twenty-one Mission’s throughout California; therefore there are no excuses for you not to visit one. http://www.missionscalifornia.com