San Bernadino Asistencia

The San Bernardino Asistencia (or San Bernardino Estancia) was established in 1819, as a "sub-mission" to the San Gabriel Mission. The mission proper was constructed around 1830 on a portion of the San Bernardino Rancho approximately one mile from the original site. The facility was used as an outpost to graze cattle.

After secularization of the missions in 1834 the Mexican Governor of California granted the lands of the Rancho to José del Carmen Lugo, José Maria Lugo, Vincénte Lugo, and their cousin Diego Sepulveda. Included were the all of the buildings of the Asistencia which included a tile kiln, a lime kiln, and a grist mill. The property subsequently was sold to the Mormon Church and occupied by Bishop Nathan C. Tenney from 1851 through 1859, when Dr. Benjamin Barton purchased it from the Mormons. Dr. Barton practiced medicine and resided on the property until 1867.

Over time, materials were removed from the abandoned structure, which fell into a state of ruin. In 1925 the County of San Bernadino acquired the mission property from the Barton family. All remaining historic materials were salvaged and construction of a new, six-room structure commenced in 1926 with funding from the Works Progress Administration relief project (assisted by the San Bernardino County Historical Society). The restoration was completed in 1937 and the rebuilt mission was unveiled to the general public as "The Asistencia."

Unfortunately, a great deal of artistic license was taken in the design of the new, six-room structure (including exhibit space and a residence for the site manager) which replaced what was left of the original chapel building. Additionally, a freestanding campanario ("bell wall") was constructed (similar to that at Mission San Antonio de Pala) even though none had existed previously.

Today the facility is operated as a branch of the San Bernadino County Museum.

Historic designations

• California Historic Landmark #42

See also

• California mission
• Mission San Gabriel Arcángel

External links

• Official mission website