Travels with Auntie M: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

This was the first Franciscan mission to be established in California, or what was then called the Las Californias Province of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.AAA gives it a “Gem” designation.

Located at 10818 San Diego Mission Road in Mission Valley, San Diego and established in 1769, it was moved from its original site, in Presidio Hill, to this location in August of 1774.

This Mother of the Missions, claims several ‘firsts,’ including first Christian burial in Alta California, first public execution (1778) and California’s first Christian martyr, Father Luis Jayme who is buried beneath the chancel floor. It is also credited with laying the first seeds of agriculture as the Natives had to be taught how to raise crops, a process that included the building of the first California aqueduct.

Father Junipero Serra established this mission on July 16, 1769…he was short (5’2”), 56 years old, and walked with a limp (due to a chronic leg infection).

TW Sneaks in Everywhere

Most missions were not located close to the ocean, as they required good farmland, fresh water and a thriving native population to convert. Therefore, supplies arriving by ship had to be hauled overland to reach their final detestation.

Model of Fully Active Mission

Burned to the ground by rioting Natives in 1775, it was rebuilt; its most successful year was 1797, both in production (crops, livestock) and conversions.

Padres' Living Quarters

According to the signage in the above room: “The original adobe walls and wooden beams are still visible and it is believed that this is the only building that survived the Indian attach, earthquakes, military occupation, and years of abandonment virtually intact.”

Main Chapel

The church was originally built in 1813, when it was fully restored in 1931, only the façade was still standing.

The Mission still serves as an active parish.

This mission had five bells that were used to call residents to work, meals, or religious service, and to signal important events such as births, funerals or approaching ships and returning parties.

The prominent Indian tribe, in the area were, Tipai-lpai, also called Kumeyaay after one of the principal dialects.

Oven

When Mexico gained its independence from Spain, the Decree of Secularization (1834) removed the Franciscans from ownership of the Mission and transferred it to private landowners.