The Mission's Story Briefly Told
While Spain was motivated by the spread of Christianity in her
occupation of California, she was primarily moved to occupy
the area because of Russia's active interest in the Pacific
Ocean and the American continent. This Activity was seen as
a threat to Spain's frontier of Mexico. The occupation then
was geared as a joint effort on the part of the State (political
and military) and the missionaries to whom the task was committed
both to chrisianize and civilize the Indians on the Spanish
pattern of life.
As history unfolded, however, this plan while in the main
successful, proved less than ideal because of conflict in
values. By law the missionaries were defenders of the Indians.
Conflicts arose between missionaries and soldiers and between
soldiers and Indians. Health related problems and opposing
ethnic practices proved a detriment to the Chumash as the
natives along the Santa Barbara coast are known.
The mission was under Spanish rule between 1786 and 1821,
thereafter under Mexico until 1848. Secularization of the
mission took place in 1834. The remaining Chumash have been
integrated into the American way of life.
After the colonial period Santa Barbara Mission devoted its
energies to cultural and educational activities. In turn it
became a theological seminary, a boys' college, a parish,
an archive-library, a center of spiritual direction, and host
to millions of visitors from across the world.
Father Maynard Geiger O.F.M.
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