Church Interior, Early Morning, Mission La Purisima, Central California
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California has 21 historical missions started by the Franciscans as part of the Spanish colonization of alta California. Built between 1769 and 1823 as a way for Spain to colonize the territory, spread Christianity and solidify Spanish claims to the land. The first nine missions were founded by Father Junipero Serra and the Franciscan order of priest with military support from the Spanish army. The route that connects the missions is called El Camino Real.
These missions are a legacy of the horrible way the native population was treated by Europeans.
The Catholic Church forced them into labor and mandatory conversion to Roman Catholicism.
Mission La Purisima was established in 1787.
This image is the interior of the church at Mission La Purisima.
After spending the night in Solvang, California, I got up very early and
drove to this mission near the city of Lompoc.
I arrived at the front gate hours before opening time with my large 4" x 5" camera attached to a tripod. One of the park rangers saw me and walked over and said "I bet you'd like to come inside now?". "Yes" I answered, and he allowed me on the mission grounds. As if this was not generous enough, he unlocked the entrance into the old church and let me go inside. I really wish I could find this man and thank him for his kindness.
Once inside I set up my camera and exposed this image with the early morning sunlight
streaming in from the right.
These missions are a legacy of the horrible way the native population was treated by Europeans.
The Catholic Church forced them into labor and mandatory conversion to Roman Catholicism.
Mission La Purisima was established in 1787.
This image is the interior of the church at Mission La Purisima.
After spending the night in Solvang, California, I got up very early and
drove to this mission near the city of Lompoc.
I arrived at the front gate hours before opening time with my large 4" x 5" camera attached to a tripod. One of the park rangers saw me and walked over and said "I bet you'd like to come inside now?". "Yes" I answered, and he allowed me on the mission grounds. As if this was not generous enough, he unlocked the entrance into the old church and let me go inside. I really wish I could find this man and thank him for his kindness.
Once inside I set up my camera and exposed this image with the early morning sunlight
streaming in from the right.