In the center of a triangle made from I-5, I-405, and CA-Hwy 118 lays Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana. One of the four missions founded by Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuen in the late 18th century, Mission San Fernando is a wonderful getaway from the concrete jungle of downtown Los Angeles.
The mission was founded September 8, 1797 and named for St. Ferdinand, King of Spain in the 13th century. Just 20 miles north of downtown Los Angeles the mission serves as an active parish church and cultural center for people of all faiths. The serene, well-landscaped walkways and sweeping green spaces create a feeling of tranquility and peace that is quite contrasting from typical San Fernando Valley. The church layout is characteristic of other California Missions: dark wooden benches, white walls and mosaic tiles, but Mission San Fernando has a striking Baroque alter which was carved in Spain in 1687, and originally destined for the Los Angeles cathedral, but instead given to the mission.
A Little San Fernando Mission History
Each of the 21 uniquely beautiful missions was built as one day’s trek from the next along a 650-mile path known as El Camino Real, or King’s Highway. The mission construction marked the beginning of European settlement of California, and the displacement of the Native American population. San Fernando Rey de Espana was built to relieve the long journey between San Gabriel and San Buenaventura, and soon the wealthy mission became a popular stopping place for travelers.
During the peak of prosperity in 1819, the mission employed 1,500 Native Americans, possessed more than 21,000 livestock, and farmed extensive orchards on more than 1.5 million acres. The original adobe mission complex was destroyed several times, but faithfully rebuilt. The current building church is a replica of the original built in 1806.
Shortly after the mission was secularized in the 1830’s, gold was found on a neighboring ranch. Word of his discovery ran rampant and the area became overrun with gold prospectors, which led gold-seekers to dig up the church floor in search of buried treasure.
Brand Park and the Bob Hope Memorial Make a Serene Environment
Well-maintained walkways and graceful arches lead through the buildings and up to statues telling of the mission’s past. Stroll the gardens, sit and listen to the birds chirping at the Bob Hope Memorial, where Leslie Townes Hope, also known as “Bob” Hope, is laid to rest, or stop in the sanctuary to pray and reflect. The small cemetery on the far side of the church, near the Memorial, contains a monument to the Indians buried there. The mission has many volunteers eager to answer any questions, or follow the self-guided tour printed on the map.
Be sure to visit Brand Park, across from the compound. The park contains an original mission fountain and a statue of Father Junipero Serra. Finishing up with a picnic at Brand Park offers a splendid view of the convent, and a serene environment which harkens back to daily mission life of the past two centuries.
Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana is north of downtown Los Angeles, in the triangle formed by I-5, I-405 and Hwy 118.
Address: 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345
Phone Number: 818-361-0186
Grounds open 9:00 – 4:30 daily; $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for children
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