Reinforcing the Rock of Ages

The Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano has been in a state of restoration far longer than it was ever occupied by worshipers.

The mission was founded in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra, and work on the church, which began in 1797, was completed about 1810.

Other mission churches were built of adobe; this one was made of stone hauled to the site from Dana Point.

For a few years the bells that rang out from its massive tower could be heard throughout much of what is now south Orange County.

Then, in 1812, a massive earthquake leveled the majestic building, killing 40 Juaneno Indians attending services.

Since then, the elements, pirates and scavengers have reduced what was left to two domes, a room and a few free-standing walls.

Scaffolding has surrounded the remains for the last 11 years. In that time most of the walls have been stabilized, with a slurry of epoxy and concrete materials pumped into them. Steel rods have been inserted to hold things steady, and metal plates now seal the tops of walls.

Millions in private funds have been donated toward the preservation effort. Work completed during the 1990s cost $4.2 million; an additional $1.8 million is being used for current renovations of the soldiers’ barracks and the sanctuary dome. Additional projects costing $7.5 million are planned; fund-raising is continuing.

Officials hope to remove the scaffolding in two years. Mission director Gerald Miller said he just wants to get the building to a point where it will stop falling down.

“This mission is a part of our heritage. It belongs to the ages. . . . We hope it will be here for our children and grandchildren. This is Orange County’s only mission, and it’s one of America’s treasures.”