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This site is owned, designed, and operated by Kenneth A. Larson who has over a quarter century of experience in design and construction of scenery for the Entertainment Industry and Theme Parks using Computer Aided and Traditional approaches to Design. Ken also has experience in other areas of Design.
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Select photographs of my many visits to The Missions of the United States South and Southwest built by Spain and Mexico between 1565 and 1823. All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2008 - 2013. |
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Asistencia Main Page |
 Grounds |
 Church |
 Other Buildings |
 Campanile |
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Exhibits |
 Quadrangle |
 Cemetery |
Corpus Christi Fiesta |
 Outlying Area |
 Photo date: 1-24-04. |
 Underside of porch to church. Photo date: 1-24-04. |
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 Photo date: 1-24-04. |
 Photo date: 1-24-04. |
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Mission Pala is unique in having the only free-standing bell tower or campanile. It is believed to be inspired by a tower in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The graceful curves of the tower contrast to the straight lines of the quadrangle. The tower is about 50 feet tall, including the 15 foot base and topped with a cross and a cactus (see below). The larger (lower) of the two bells cast in Mexico is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, San Luis King, Saint Clara, and Saint Eulalia. The smaller (upper) bell is dedicated to Jesus and Mary. Mission Pala is know for being mission with a free-standing bell tower. The local people were proud of their campanile and kept it in good repair throughout the hard times. The original campanile was built on an adobe base which was undermined by a flood in 1916 and collapsed. It was quickly rebuilt on a stone and concrete base. Behind the bell tower is the "Old Luiseño Cemetery" where hundreds of Native Americans are buried. The original Bell Tower is a copy of a tower in Ciudad Juarez, Chi, Mexico. It is unusual in that it is detached from the church building, standing isolated about 20 feet south of the church. The two bells were cast in Mexico. The larger bell is dedicated to Saint Francis, Saint Luis the King, Saint Clare, and Saint Eulalia and names Cervantes as the maker. The smaller bell is dedicated to Jesus and Mary. When the WPA rebuilt the Estancia San Bernardino, it copied this bell tower. |
 Photo date: 1-24-04. |
 Photo date: 1-24-04. |
| Atop the Bell Tower is a cactus. The legend of the cactus says that Father Peyri climbed the tower in 1816 to place a cross atop it to indicate that the construction of the Mission was now complete. He then planted a tiny cactus at the foot of the cross to symbolize that Christ would conquer the desert, not only of Southern California, but also of the human heart and soul. Another story tells of a bird filled with joy at nesting so close to the cross, burst into song and dropped a cactus seed into the still soft adobe. |
| The chapel measures 144 feet by 27 feet and is made of sun backed adobe brick, most are the original bricks. The floor is original but the roof has been replaced. The walls are covered with Indian art. The crucifix above the altar is of Bestardo wood from Michoacan, Mexico. The original artwork was covered by the restoration of 1903 but later restored by Indian artist Antonio Lugo. Some of the roof timbers are original and others are from the restoration of 1903. The timbers are from Palomar Mountain, home to one of the most powerful telescopes in the world. Many of the roof tiles are original. Sometime in the mid-1900s, the wood altar, which had been damaged by termites, was replaced with a granite altar. |
 Interior of church interior. |
 Front of church interior. |
 Altar. |
 Back wall of church. |
 Art work by native population. |
 Art work by native population. |
 Side niche. |
 Front facade. Photo date: 1-24-04. |
 Front wall of quadrangle. Photo date: 1-24-04. |
 Chimney. |
 Chimney. |
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 School. |
 Franciscan Sisters. |
 Rectory / Residence. |
 Interior Quadrangle. |
 Fountain in Quadrangle. |
 Cross. |
 Cross. |
 Shrine. |
 Shrine. |
 Quadrangle and garden |
 Statue. |
 Interior Quadrangle. |
 Interior Quadrangle. |
 Avocado tree. |
 Native art. |
 Mission Folk Art. Crucifix. |
 Mission Folk Art. Walnut shell chain. |
 New Child Care facility/Learning Center. |
 The new Pala Casino has brought economic opportunity and tourists to the Pala Community. Disclaimer, I do not endorse gaming. |
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Asistencia Main Page |
Grounds |
Church |
Other Buildings |
Campanile |
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Exhibits |
Quadrangle |
Cemetery |
Corpus Christi Fiesta |
Outlying Area |
Also:
The Story of Mission San Antonio de Pala by Father J. M. Carillo M.C.C.J. Pastor of Mission San Antonio de Pala, © April 1959. Available at Gift Shop.|
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| Note:This is not the official site for any of the places shown in US Mission Trail. US Mission Trail is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, and exhibits are subject to change without notice. |
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Support this Web Site This web site was created because of my love and respect for the California Missions. This web site is for your benefit and I make no profit on it. I don't allow paid advertising. This site is supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer and there haven't been many this year. I sell art at www.klimages.com. A non-tax deductable donation to help cover the cost of operating this web site may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal ... | ||
 Or donations can be mailed to the address on the contact page. |
 Buy my art. | |
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This site maintained by Kenneth A. Larson. Copyright © 2004 - 2013, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. |
| This site is a non-commercial alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. There is no advertising and I make no profit. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com. |
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Contact | Ken Larson | K L Images | Mission Trail Today | Places Earth |
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Copyright © 2003 - 2013, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. |
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