Los Angeles herald., 1892-07-06
PRESERVE THE MISSIONS.
A COMMITTEES VISIT TO SAN JUAN
AND SAN LUIS REY.
A Most Interesting PiIgrlmage-welI
Chaperoned at San Juan-Plans
and Personnel OF the
Committee.

The executive committee of the asso-
citation for the preservation of mis-
sions has just returned from a visit
to San Juan and San Luis Rey
for the purpose OF making arrange
ments for future excursions to be
given under the auspices of the associa-
ton. The presentation of membership
tickets ensures special rates for trans
portation and hotel accommodations to
the excursionists.
The committee first visited San Juan
Capistrano, where, under the able
guidance of Father Grogan, Don Fors-
ter and Colonel Egan, the buildings
were thoroughly inspected and plans
were formulated that would prevent
utter ruin from the ravages OF time and
the encroachments of backyard elvilixa-
ton.
The southern wall of the court ie
scanned with deep crevices and the next
heavy rain will cause the remaining
parts of the roof to cave and the wall
to totter. If the ewalls of the court were
strengthened now, and with the arch
ways lightly but substantially rooted,
they would stand another hundred
years. The beautifully decorated chapel,
now unused, was especially deplorable
strong, the danger being in the roof, the
heavy timbers of which are bending be-
meath the unsupported weight of heavy
tiles and rotting tules. Being given
support, and the tiles replaced on a
Erxh fror af
new lease of life to the now falling
roof.
1t is such changes as this that are con-
templated by the association for the
preservation, not the renovation, of the
missions, the remains OF system of
government at once providential, yet
restricting the indolent and rowing ma
tive to the requirements of civilized life.
San Luis Rev was next visited, after a
fve-mile drive from Oceanside. This
mission is situated on slight eminence
in the fertile valley of the San Luis
river, and as first seen from the road is
very picturesque, with its Moorish
tower, red roof and archways, against
the blue California sky. Extending on
one side of the quadrangle, the rooms of
the padres and guestrooms, the large
refractory and the kitchen with it's i'm
mense fireplace and curiously ornament
ed chimney, are yet easily descernible,
though roofless. The chapel of San
Luis Rey is of more imposing proper
tions than either those OF San Juan Gap
istrano, San Fernando or San Gabriel.
1t has three altars, the great central
altar, where once stood beautiful
statue of San Luis, now at Pala, being
fanked on the right by smaller altar
dedicated to the Virgin, and facing
which stands the altar of San
Jose. 1t was at these side
affairs that the holy communion
was celebrated. Father Salvatierra
I of pleasant memory, was buried i'm
mediately in front, and just to the right
of the central altar. Just oven the en-
trance door and facing the altars the
rallied choir loft, in good state of pres-
still suggests the lingering ca
dences of the Te Deum and the Gloria,
as it once vibrated through these grew
adobe walls. At San Juan Capistrano
may be seen one of the old musical no.
tation books in manuscript, from which
the Indians were taught by the patient
padres to chant their praises.
1t ls the mission of San Luis Rev
which the Franciscan order is coming
to take possession of and to restore, ac-
cordiDg to the original plans, the pres
ent chapel and court.
The committee has in view the erect
ing of a perfect fac simile, Aka feet, OF
this mission as it existed when in use,
for exhibition at the worlds fair. The
details are under the control of Don
Antonio Coronel, which bespeaks sue
cees.
The committee consisting of Tessa
L. Kelso, chairman; Rev. Father Adam
Mr.. and Mrs. A. F. Coronel, Mrs. j. G.
Carr, Col. r. E. Egan, Mrs. A. s. Wing,
II. d. Barrows. Mrs. M. E. Stillson, S.
P. Hunt, Dr. M. II. Alter, Mr.. H. Ber-
trand and Abbott Kinney, has the good
will of the church, the railroads have
recognized the value of its work, and
much public interest is manifested.
Monographs of each of the missions
are contemplated, and the fret, that OF
San Juan Capistrano, is in preparation.
These monographs are sent to all mem
bers. n 1855 ~ slf
A visit to Pala during August, at
which period occurs an annual fiesta oi
the Indians, is considered.
In exchange for one dollar will be
given membership ticket for one year,
entitling the holder to all the privileges
of the association. 0J10 &