Las Misiones campaign to restore and preserve the Old Spanish Missions

Jordan McMorrough
Today’s Catholic

The chain of Old Spanish Missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century is a reminder of one of Spain’s most successful attempts to extend its dominion northward from New Spain (present-day Mexico).
Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic

SAN ANTONIO • Surrounded by the historic sanctuary of Mission San José, Archbishop José H. Gomez launched the new campaign Feb. 14 to restore and preserve all four of the historic Old Spanish Missions.
The Las Misiones Capital Campaign has already raised more than $4 million toward its $15.5 million goal. Pointing to the urgent need for the missions’ preservation, Archbishop Gomez said, “These mission church buildings are deteriorating and in need of restoration, repair and refurbishment. This cannot wait another generation. It is our responsibility and obligation to keep them standing and alive, as our ancestors have done.”
The Old Spanish Missions, established nearly 300 years ago, include Mission Concepcion, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. The mission churches are the oldest buildings in this region and represent the largest concentration of Spanish colonial structures and Catholic missions in the United States. The missions were not only churches, but also centers of education, trade and agriculture.
The missions now draw more than 1.2 million visitors from around the world each year, with an estimated economic impact to the community of more than $120 million. However, the passage of time and their daily use by tourists and as active Catholic parishes, continue to take their toll. Since the 1920s, the community has recognized their significance and worked to preserve the structures.

The objectives of Phase II the Las Misiones campaign include $9 million for restoration and maintenance, such as plaster repair, structure stabilization, wall damp proofing, art conservation, painting, electrical, mechanical, lighting, maintenance of interior and exterior surfaces and aesthetic enhancements. Another $4.5 million will be allocated to provide for ongoing preservation and maintenance of the missions, with the fund to be invested in the Catholic Community Foundation.
Lastly, architectural and engineering fees, project management and fundraising costs have been estimated at $2 million.

Father David Garcia, recently named as director of the Old Spanish Missions by Archbishop Gomez, outlined the importance of the missions to San Antonio’s South side, saying, “They are a wonderful and unique symbol of our city and a great asset. Today, with the river expansion, Brooks City-Base, Toyota, Texas A&M, and other developments, this area of our city is fast becoming critical to our future growth. All the people of our community can understand the tremendous value of these great landmarks that are the missions.
Father Garcia introduced the new Las Misiones General Campaign Chair, Bill Klesse, CEO of Valero Energy, and the 20 civic leaders who are members of the Las Misiones Campaign Committee.

Calling on the help of the whole community, Archbishop Gomez said, “We must not fail to preserve these living monuments of faith and culture. I am optimistic we will accomplish this sacred task and continue to ensure that these wonderful mission churches will be here for generations to come.”

The press conference also included comments from Suzie Mead Feldmann of the Goldsbury Foundation; John Nau, chair of the Texas Historical Commission and chair of the Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; Chris Cheever, chair of the Las Misiones Campaign and vice president of Broadway Bank; and Red McCombs of the McCombs Foundation.

Today, the National Park Service operates the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park in collaboration with the archdiocese. The park service is responsible for all the secular elements of the four compounds, including non-church buildings, landscape and visitors centers. The archdiocese continues to care solely for the church buildings.

For more information, contact the Old Spanish Missions, Inc., at (210) 357-5602; e-mail old.spanish.missions@hotmail.com or visit their new Web site at www.oldspanishmissions.org.