Inside the Church

We'll start our tour inside the Mission Church. While most services are held in the large church next door, some special services are held in the Mission Church.

Mission Church Overview
Picture taken 1:55pm 31 Aug 2003

Four tombs are under and near the altar...

Lt. Don Jose Joaquin (13 Jul 1785) Picture taken 12:55pm 31 Aug 2003	Three individuals... Guadalope Garduno (15 Jun 1848 at 36) Daughter Maria Concpceion (21 Oct 1853 at 13) Son Espiridion (18 Mar 1861 at 22) Picture taken 12:55pm 31 Aug 2003
William Alexander Leidesdorff (18 May 1848) Picture taken 12:55pm 31 Aug 2003
Rev. Richard Carroll (31 Mar 1861) Picture taken 12:55pm 31 Aug 2003

The main altar is flanked on both sides by left and right altars positioned in front of the altar rail. All of the statues date from the mission period. The statue of San Pasqual Baylon (North side altar) has only recently been accurately identified. Previously it was thought to be San Diego de Alcala.

Main Altar Picture taken 1:15pm 31 Aug 2003 Left to right the statues represent... Top tier: San Francisco (small statue), San Joaquin (Joachim), San Miguel Arcangel (Michael), Santa Clara, San Francisco (small statue) Bottom tier: Santa Maria, Holy Cross, Santa Ana
Left (South) Side Altar Picture taken 1:10pm 31 Aug 2003 Left to right the statues represent: San Juan Capistrano (John of Capistrano), San Jose (St. Joseph), San Buenaventura (St. Bonaventure)	Right (North) Side Altar Picture taken 1:10pm 31 Aug 2003 Left to right the statues represent: San Pasqual Baylon, San Antonio de Padua, San Francisco de Solano

Picture taken 1:10pm 31 Aug 2003

Toward the rear of the church you'll find a Holy Water font believed to be original as well as what looks like two swinging doors. When swung out from the wall these form a confessional. Men would confess their sins directly to the padre while women would confess their sins to the padre through one of the holes with the door between the woman and the padre.

Picture taken 1:10pm 31 Aug 2003

Along the side wall is a large false front for the altar. This backing is used during Lent to cover the back of the altar, giving a different backdrop to the Church during Lent.

Lenten Mask
Picture taken 1:55pm 31 Aug 2003

Now, move to the museum...

Navigation for Mission San Francisco de Asís:

Mission Home :: History :: Inside Church :: Museum :: Cemetery :: Outside