Mission Docents Name New Presidents

Doris Anderson and Clayton Ward have been named co-presidents of the Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society, following the death of Fred Purdy.

Purdy, 66, of Laguna Niguel, had been president for two years until his death April 20.

Anderson, of San Juan Capistrano, and Ward, 86, of Dana Point, will oversee 90 docents who conduct tours of the mission and coordinate special educational projects. The two had served as co-vice presidents of the group.

“I am the oldest docent member there is, and I have been with the group the longest of any member,” said Ward, a docent since 1984.

Anderson, a retired elementary school teacher, gave 54 tours last year.

“When I came to California I knew little of its history, and becoming a docent seemed like the ideal way to learn,” Anderson said.

The mission is always looking for more volunteers to serve as docents. Information: (714) 248-2048.