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The
Royal Presidio Chapel is a city, state and national treasure. It is
a National Historic Landmark, the first stone building in
California, the first architecturally designed building in
California, and the single surviving building of the original Royal
Presidio of Monterey. It is also the oldest building in Monterey
and is considered to be one of the three most historic buildings in
the city along with Colton Hall and the Custom House.
Most importantly, it has maintained its
original mission and is acknowledged as the longest continually
operating House of Worship in California. It has quietly, humbly
served the spiritual needs of the soldiers of the original Monterey
Presidio and the people of Monterey for over 213 years.
Significant Dates
- June 3, 1770: the founding of the
Presidio of Monterey and Mission
- 1771: Junipero
Serra moved the mission to a site on the Carmel River
- 1791: work
began on the 4th chapel
- 1792: plans
sent to the Academy of San Carlos for review and modification
- 1794 – 1795:
the completion of the present Royal Presidio Chapel
- 1849 – 1858:
the Royal Presidio Chapel becomes a Cathedral
- 1858 – the
construction of the transepts and the apse
- 1860s: the
first photograph of the chapel
- 1868: Father
A.D. Casanova begins his tenure at the chapel
- 1893: Father
Mestres begins his tenure after the death of Father Casanova and
remains until his death in 1930
- 1894: the
espadaña was extended as a complete second tier to the tower with
a pyramidal tile roof
- 1921: the
Lourdes grotto was constructed
- 1942:
renovations to recall prior Spanish period completed
- 1961: the
chapel is entered as a National Historic Landmark
- 1966:
property listed on The National Register of Historic Places
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Conservation Needs of the
Royal Presidio Chapel
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The
Royal Presidio Chapel is endangered and has been on the National
Historic Park Service Watch for more than 10 years. It is in danger
of moving into the “Threatened” category unless immediate and
comprehensive rehabilitation is undertaken. The severity of the
damage increases yearly as does the cost of mitigation.
The
building is threatened by earthquakes, moisture, exposure to
pollutants and the elements, inadequate drainage, bio-deterioration
caused by fungi, algae, and lichens, and the roof is infested with
termites.
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What is being done to save the
Royal Presidio Chapel?
In 1992, a Historic Structure Report was commissioned to study the
history, current condition, needs and appropriate action to be taken
to conserve the Royal Presidio Chapel. That report, finished in
1999, was written by Edna Kimbro, an internationally respected
historian.
Today, we are proud to say that we have assembled a prestigious
group of professionals who specialize in historic structures.
Because of grants given the Chapel by The Getty Foundation, The
California Missions Foundation, The Walker Foundation, the Community
Foundation of Monterey County, and the many generous donations of
private individuals, these professionals have finished the Planning
Phase.
Work
began in May 2007 to alleviate the moisture problems which
have plagued the Chapel for over 200 years. The existing
concrete apron which prevented evaporation of moisture in
the exterior walls was removed and a French drain was
constructed around the entire perimeter of the building to
divert water away from the sandstone walls. The roof was
removed in order to repair wood members damaged by
termites and also to install the attic portion of the
retrofit.
In addition, the existing plaster was removed from the
stone walls for assessment of the walls current
condition. What was found confirmed the immediate need to
repair and in many areas, replace mortar and stone.
Ironically, the nave walls, built in 1794, were in much
better condition than the transepts and apse which were
added in 1858. In fact, the southern facing walls (rear
walls of the church) were in such bad condition they were
in danger of collapse and required 100 tons of replacement
stone and lime mortar to rebuild approximately 80% of
those walls. With the blessing of good weather through
December, the majority of the stone masonry work has been
completed.
The seismic portion of the conservation is in full swing.
The attic portion has been completed as well as the
horizontal tying together of the interior and exterior
walls. Vertical core drilling will be taking place in
February 2008 leaving only the front façade and bell tower
to be completed.
But our beautiful old church has left her oldest secrets
to the last to be discovered. From all the records which
have been left to us, it was always assumed the interior
of the church was relatively plain. What we have come to
learn in the last few months is that originally the
interior was a beautiful vibrant space worthy of a king’s
church. We are still uncovering pieces to the puzzle and
will share our discoveries as we make them (see photos).
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Donation Information
The
estimated cost to conserve the church is $7,200,000.
Thanks to a parish fundraising campaign known as the
Cornerstone Campaign
and the generosity of many donors and community grants, we
have raised over $4,300,000. We are extremely grateful
for the generosity of the parish and the community and
thank the Lord.
Because we are a functioning parish church, we are
ineligible for government funding of the repair of the
chapel even though we are a National Historic Landmark.
This means our fundraising efforts are continuous and we
welcome all gifts and or pledges of any size. Gifts can
be given in memory of loved ones and donations may also be
made to the Community Foundation of
Monterey County for the
Royal Presidio Chapel. Gifts of $10,000 or more
will be recognized in the Memorial Garden to be located on
the east side of the chapel.
To learn more about
THE CORNERSTONE CAMPAIGN
and how you can contribute, see our
Campaign Brochure.
Donations can be made by filling out the
Cornerstone Campaign Pledge Form
and sending to:
San Carlos Cathedral
Royal Presidio Chapel Conservation Fund
500 Church Street
Monterey, CA.
93940
or
Donations can be made directly to:
The Community Foundation for
Monterey County (CFMC)
Royal Presidio Chapel Conservation Fund
2354 Garden Road
Monterey, CA.
93940
or
Thank you for your interest and support!
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