Mission Santa Barbara was named after the legend of Saint Barbara, who was reported to have been beheaded by her father as a result of following her Christian faith against his wishes. The Mission orignially consisted of three seperate chapels, but the earthquake of 1812 leveled the buildings and reconstruction was begun. The present day Mission Santa Barbara was finished and dedicated in 1820. Amazingly enough, the interior of the church building remains exactly the same today as it did when it was dedicated in 1820. Mission Santa Barbara has an elaborate water system that was built by Chumach Indian labor that consists of an aqueduct, two reservoirs and a filter house that are still intact. There is also a grain mill, and an original fountain that has a lovely flower bed surrounding it.
Mission Santa Barbara is still used as a parish church for present day worshipers. The church is rented out to present parishoners by the Fransican Province of Santa Barbara, who retain owenership of Mission Santa Barbara. There is also a museum on the grounds as well as a gift shop, a Fransican Friary and a retreat house. Mission Santa Barbara has the oldest tradition of choral singing of any institution in California, including other California Missions. The California Mission Schola, and the Cappella Barbara service the weekly Catholic liturgy at Mission Santa Barbara.
The original city of Santa Barbara developed between Mission Santa Barbara and the harbo of the Pacific Ocean. The city has grown to extend beyond the coastal plains and Mission Santas Barbara is now surrounded by a residential area. There are a coule of public parks inthe area as well as the National Museam of History in close proximity. Mission Santa Barbara is open to the general public and visitors are welcome to tour the old historic mission. There is a charge for adults to visit Mission Santa Barbara so plan accordingly.
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