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Navigation for La Purísima Concepción:
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Next we'll explore the interior of the church. This is a copy of what
the original church might have looked like. The original was abandoned
after water runoff from the hill behind it undercut the structure. At that
time the fixtures were moved to the chapel in the monastery which was then
used as the church. The Mission reconstruction basically copied the chapel
fixtures in larger form for the church. That's why you'll get a feeling of
déjà vu when you see one after seeing the other. |
The interior of the church is probably very close to what it was during the
mission era. Many mission churches are currently used as active parishes and so
have pews and modern altars. This church is closer to the original Mission with
rough-textured walls and floors, simple stenciled wall decorations and few
fixtures (people attending services stood, sat, or knelt on the floor during
services with men to one side and women to the other).
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Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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To the left is a picture toward the altar; below a
picture of the back wall of the church.
Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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The altar is "standard" form with a tabernacle, saints in niches on
the sides, and the patron saint (The Immaculate Concepción of Mary the Most
Pure) featured over the altar. A pulpit stands next to the altar.
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Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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Do come up to the altar and examine it closely. There, in addition to the
features seen above, you'll also see examples of instruments (in this case a
clapper that plays a sequence when the bottom axle is turned--much like a music
box). Also, in the floor of the altar you will see the grave of Padre
Mariano Payeras an important person in mission history.
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Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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The back of the church contains the baptistery and choir loft.
Pictures believed to be from the mission era adorn the walls.
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Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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Picture taken 2:30pm 21 Jul 2001
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Finally, don't forget to exit the church and enter the door closest to
the cemetery. This is the sacristy where the padres prepared prior to
Mass. There are a few artifacts there including this chest which is said
to date from 1799. [Please don't touch it even though it looks inviting
and available.] |
Picture taken 2:40pm 21 Jul 2001
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OK, keep heading "up" and let's visit the
workrooms...
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