California Missions – San Fernando Rey de España
Founded: September 8, 1797 – The Seventeenth of the California Missions
Special Designation: Mission of the Valley
Named For: St. Ferdinand, King of Spain in 13th century.
Also Called: San Fernado Mission
Mission Site: Established at the native site of ‘Achooykomenga/Paskeeknga, In a spacious valley on the Spanish grazing concession of Rancho Los Encinos held by Don Francisco Reyes. Whereas the Spanish referred to the region as El Valle de Santa Catalina de Bononia de los Encinos, the Tataviam called the area Achois Comihabit.
Layout: Traditional quadrangle. A large hospice called the Convento, or Long Building, branched off the quadrangle.
Mission Church: The simple mission church is an exact replica of the 3rd church completed in 1806 and destroyed by an earthquake in 1971.
Special Attraction: The Convento or Long Building, built in 1822, served as the padre’s quarters and as a guest-house. A colonnade with nineteen arches borders the full length of the building, which measures 243′ x 50’.
Current Status: Active Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
