The Mission of Serra

Father Junipero Serra, from his earliest day as a Franciscan, had the dream to be a missionary and bring the word of God to the gentile native inhabitants of New Spain. His task was not made easier by the politcal turmoil of a weakening Spanish culture, a military with conflicting ambitions, and the political corruption that ensued. But Father Serra had a mission from which he would not turn back. Father Serra and his contemporaries would ultimately establish 21 missions from San Diego in the south to Sonoma in the north. Each would gain economic success. Togther they would be the begginning and a legacy creating the state of California.

This first volume describes the founding og thr first nine missions by Father Serra himself, his labors and his dream.

Photography by G. A. Hitchcock