The Curator’s Corner:
“The building up of a mission,” wrote historian Father Maynard J. Geiger, O.F.M. (1901-1977), “was a long, slow, tedious task.” The church building period lasted nineteen years, from 1776 to 1795. Adobe brick making on any scale did not start until 1783, and it took two years, 1794 to 1795, to cover the present church roof with clay tiles. Four (possibly five) different churches were built, three (four?) of them of palisade (vertical pole walls plastered with mud and roofed with tule reeds), the final one of adobe.
The precise number of churches depends upon interpretation of Mission co-founder Padre Benito Cambon’s reports for the year 1787, which describe a disaster that occurred on January 14. Violent winds blew with hurricane intensity nearly all that night and demolished a significant part of the third palisade church along with a number of its interior furnishings. This church was rebuilt, strengthened, and re-dedicated that same year on Holy Thursday. According to Geiger, whether this repaired Church should be considered a fourth church at the Mission depends largely upon the extent of the damage done, and he notes that Cambon’s description, “La echo todo por tierra” (It was thrown entirely to the ground), seems to indicate total destruction.
To be continued…….
Mass Times
Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm -- Old Mission
Sunday:
8:00am & 10:00am (English)
12:00pm (Español)
​Daily Mass:
Monday-Saturday: 8:00am -- Old Mission
Confession:
By appointment/por cita
Eucharist Adoration:
Friday: 3:00pm -- Old Mission
First Friday of the month: 4pm
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8:00pm (English)
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Mission Dolores has always had a central place in the religious, civic, and cultural life of San Francisco. Misión San Francisco de Asís was founded June 29, 1776, under the direction of Father Junipero Serra and is both the oldest original intact Mission in California and the oldest building in San Francisco. Today, the Mission Dolores Parish comprises both the Basilica and the Old Mission.
True to its origins, the Basilica Parish of Mission Dolores reflects the remarkable diversity and vibrancy of modern San Francisco. Located at the crossroads of the City's Mission District, Castro District, the Lower Haight, Noe Valley, and Upper Market Street neighborhoods, Mission Dolores parishioners come from an enormous array of cultures, places, and backgrounds to worship together.
The Old Mission's religious, historic, and architectural significance makes it a unique and memorable destination for visitors to San Francisco. We welcome all to come visit the birthplace of San Francisco. For Old Mission visitor information, please click here.
We invite you to explore this website to learn more about the people, community, and history of Mission Dolores.
We are a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people.
Click on the photo below for the video of the 33rd Annual Basilica Choir Candlelight Christmas Concert from December 2024
