San Gabriel Mission at 7:45 am on July 11, 2020 (Photo – Cheryl Cabot)

The San Gabriel Mission was severely damaged in an early morning fire today.

By Cheryl Cabot

The San Gabriel Fire Department responded at 4:26 a.m. Saturday morning.  As participants in the Mutual Aid organization through Verdugo Dispatch, approximately 20 emergency vehicles from five other cities soon were on the scene, including support from Monterey Park, South Pasadena, Arcadia, Alhambra and Pasadena.

“It’s a miracle the walls are still standing,” Mayor Denise Menchaca said, “they were built in 1771.”

According to Councilmember Jason Pu, on the scene, “The inside has been gutted but the exterior walls are still standing. The roof is completely destroyed, but it appears the altar, although suffering smoke damage, has been saved.

“I think it’s important for the community to know that the museum portion is intact,” Pu continued. “As far as we know all the items stored there are safe. The chancel where the altar is located, has smoke damage, but did not burn.”

The origin of the fire is not known, but according to Pu, “apparently with a church fire it is automatically referred to ATF, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, for investigation.”

Interior of San Gabriel Mission (Photo – City of San Gabriel)

Mary Cammarano, long-time member, and docent for the Church and museum,  said, “I am so glad I saw Father John when I was walking up here (when the fire was reported) and we were able to show the fire chief where the shut off valves were for the gas, avoiding and explosion and more serious damage.”

“The church has been closed down, not only because of COVID-19, but we had started renovation to prepare for our 250^th Anniversary next year,” Mary said, “but we still haven’t been able to find out about ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’ painting that is 285 years old.”

Another long-time member, Carrie Evanilla, held back tears as she explained her emotional attachment to the church. “I grew up here. My parents were married here. My kids were baptized here, so this is my church. I’ve been involved in the renovation preparing for our Anniversary. This place means so much to me.”

San Gabriel Mission on fire the morning of July 11, 2020 (Photo – City of San Gabriel)

Fourth of the 21 California Missions

Mission San Gabriel was the fourth of the 21 California Missions and was known as the “Pride of the California Missions,” and has pride of place in San Gabriel, known as the “Birthplace of the Los Angeles Region.” (SG Website). The City has long called itself “The City with A Mission,” with many city activities held in the Mission District. The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was originally founded in 1771 and the current church structure was completed in 1805.

As Mary Cammarano said, “Every city has a heartbeat, and this is ours.”

> Fire Restoration Fund has been set-up. 100% of donations made stay at Mission San Gabriel. Click here for the link.

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