Chapter 8

On August 4, 2011, Mom and I headed out on our journey to visit the Missions.  In a three-day span, it became our goal to visit the California Missions up to San Miguel (a total of 8 Missions).   Beginning our tour, we opted to forgo Mission San Gabriel and head directly to San Fernando to visit Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana also known as 'The Mission of the Valley". 

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, est. Sept. 8, 1797.

#17 of the 21 Missions, Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana was founded September 8, 1797 and has been plagued by earthquakes (not only 1812, but most recently the Northridge Earthquake).  Amidst damage, this Mission has been rebuilt, recreated and is a fine display of the history of the California Missions.  In particular, I enjoyed how well displayed the Mission was - the educational displays, information provided, and the large lots made this Mission in particular one that was easy to navigate and extremely informative.

History and legend of Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, #17 of the California Missions.

Key facts that were interesting about this Mission was that it contained the largest, two-story adobe building in California, it has a wine cellar located below said building, the offices of the Los Angeles Archdiocese are housed here and Bob Hope (famous comedian and philanthropist) is buried here in his own garden.  Imagine our surprise when we happened upon "Bob"! 

More information on the Convento, the largest original Mission building in California.

The oldest organ (I think in the country) at Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana.  Bob Hope also was featured with this organ in one of his movies.

The library was phenomenal - San Fernando Rey de Espana, Mission #17 of 21.

According to Mission history, the Indians of Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana  (the Tongva) were shorter than most adults today.  The heighth of the arches did not need to be higher than this - I am 5'3.




The beautiful sanctuary at Mission Fernando Rey de Espana, in San Fernando, CA.

 

Sign and information about the active parish at "The Mission of the Valley".

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, California Mission #17.

All in all, this Mission by far is one of the most intriguing, and exciting to me - so informative, terrific visuals, and large property make for a great opportunity to learn, not to mention a photo op with Bob Hope! 

Photo opportunity with the legendary Bob Hope, 1903 - 2003.