The California Missions Foundation is working with Mission San Juan Bautista to fund a rehabilitation project for the front facade of the Mission Church. This project will strengthen the structure so that in the event of seismic activity, the landmark mission will be able to withstand the impact.
Because the mission sits very close to the San Andreas Fault, its front façade (church entrance, baptistry, choir loft) is especially vulnerable to seismic shaking.
The main scope of the retrofit includes:
- Seismic strengthening and stabilization of the church’s front façade and façade/entry area.
- Roof replacement, masonry repointing, gutters/downspouts, repair of deteriorating plaster, brick & stone.
- A temporary facility for the parish during construction (so worship/operations can continue during construction).
Funding includes grants from the Ntaional Parks Foundattion (as part of their Save America’s Treasures (SAT) Grant Program), fundraising by the non-profit Mission San Juan Bautista Preservation Fund, as well as a grant from the California Missions Foundation. Visit the California Missions Foundation website to donate to the project.
San Juan Bautista is the 15th California Mission, founded in 1797 by Father Fermin Lasuén. The current church was completed and dedicated in 1812, replacing an earlier adobe chapel built in 1797. The church is the largest in the mission chain; the two side naves are unique.