Mission Treasures: Historical Collection Revealed, the
Mission’s new exhibit will be unveiled on May 27 and continue throughout the summer until September 5.
The Exhibit features rare paintings, precious religious and historic artifacts, and documents related to the
Mission’s history. They are treasures because of their connections with the people and place of Mission
San Juan Capistrano and unique representations of the past.
“In accordance with museum standards for the first time our institution will be able to publicly exhibit
baptismal records dedicated to the Mission by Father Serra’s himself ” said Mechelle Lawrence-Adams,
Executive Director of Mission San Juan Capistrano. “The exhibit will only be out for a limited time and
offered during limited hours each day. The Foundation is proud to share these treasures with the public and
further refine our museum work associated with this incredible California landmark. We can’t wait to have
the public join us for this exhibit.”
Some examples of the treasures to be revealed:
• A Presidential Connection — The Patent of Title, also known as the Lincoln Document, was signed
by President Abraham Lincoln on March 18, 1865. With the signing of the document, President
Lincoln ended any individual land claims for Mission San Juan Capistrano and returned the
property to the guardianship of the Catholic Church. Before this declaration, the Mission was
privately owned by John Forster, who had bought it from his brother-in-law and then-Mexican
Governor Pio Pico for $710 in 1845. Lincoln was assassinated 27 days after signing the document.
• A 19th Century Spanish Colonial Tabernacle — This tabernacle with its intricate carvings and
vibrant paint was purposefully designed to stand out from the other furnishings within a chapel and
to inspire reverence and devotion for the contents housed inside. Monsignor Art Holquin described
a tabernacle as “a safe that is used in Christian churches that reserve the consecrated bread
following the celebration of the Eucharist.”
• Father Serra’s Vestment Set — The vestment consists of garments worn by Father Serra during
Mass, including the Chasuble, Stole and Maniple. The Chasuble is chief among the garments,
covering the priest’s entire torso and representing God’s love and protection.
• A variety of paintings by renowned California artists such as Charles Percy Austin and Joseph
Kleitsch, among others.
“Most people have never seen the rare paintings from such California Plein Air artists as Joseph Kleitsch or
the painting of the Mission by John Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore,” Lawrence-Adams
said. “Guests are sure to appreciate treasures such as original silver items from the Mission’s founding or
the actual Lincoln document with President Lincoln’s signature returning the Mission to the Catholic
Church.”
Don’t miss out on this limited exhibit and the chance to view this one-of-a-kind collection. The exhibit will be
open daily – hours to be announced.
About Mission San Juan Capistrano:
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that boasts
of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits on a wide variety
of topics.
The site itself serves as a living outdoor museum with original buildings constructed by Native Americans in the 18th
century including the Serra Chapel, Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing.
The Mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh in the chain of the twentyone
California missions established by Spain, and is Orange County’s only mission. Every year, over 50,000
students visit the Mission and engage in an inspirational learning experience via the Mission Matters programming,
as part of their State required California history studies.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and is supported by the Mission Preservation
Foundation, which is comprised of business and community leaders committed to ensuring the long term
preservation and viability of Orange County’s only Mission. The Mission receives no funding from either the Church
or the State of California and charges admission funds as a means of providing public access.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Open Daily 8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday afternoon. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors
(60 years or over); $5 children (ages 4 to 11); and children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Free audio guide with
senior and adult admission. For more information, call (949) 234-1300 or visit www.missionsjc.com.
Joe Haakenson
JUVE Creative, Inc.
joe@juvecreative.com
