Old Mission Santa Barbara (and 1786 Church)

As much as I love architecture and any place that currently feels peaceful, I hesitated to photograph and share about the Old Mission Santa Barbara and its 1786 church.

I hesitated, even though we arrived at this mission and church under the golden sun, blue skies, and fluffy clouds, with billowing flowers out back.

I hesitated, even though we returned to this mission and church to witness the sense of community in the park where neighborhood families gathered, walked, and played.

I hesitated, even though it had multiple outdoor spaces that I was hoping to tour through.

I hesitated because I wanted to see a more detailed history lesson of this mission than what I was seeing—more than what was written into this mission’s very own literature, as well.

Lucky for us, Britannica for Kids included this more complete history lesson that I was seeking…

“The Chumash were the Native Americans of the area. The Spanish called them Barbareño. The mission completely changed the Chumash way of life. They were forced to build the mission buildings, raise livestock, and grow crops such as oranges, olives, barley, corn, peas, and wheat. In 1824 a Native American revolt began at Mission Santa Inés, the closest northern mission to Santa Bárbara. News of the revolt spread to Santa Bárbara. Some of the Chumash attacked soldiers and escaped inland.”

I am so grateful for finding this more detailed history lesson. It allowed me to spend my time at this mission more mindfully … honoring the Chumash.