At first glance one would think that La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles is just another catholic church however after carefully observing both the interior and exterior one realizes its historical significance. The church that is at this site is a replica of the original church that served the first settlers of Los Angeles during the Spanish era of California. The importance of this site has been recognized both by local and state governments which have designated it as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and as a California Historical Landmark. Although it is a historical site it still serves its purpose as a catholic church for a mostly Hispanic congregation. Today it is known as the plaza church because …show more content…
it is across the street from the historic Placita Olvera. Overall the church looks like a classic catholic church with bells and crosses on the roof and a beautiful altar and podium inside.
However, it is the small details that reveal its historical significance. On the outside of the church there are several metal placards that reveal the history behind this little church. The interior has a lively yet reverent ambient and the smell of lit candles lingers the air. At the time of my visit the church was crowded mainly with Hispanic families who had attended the Dia de los Muertos celebration at La Placita Olvera. Outside on the courtyard next to the church many people were conversating about their dead relatives and about the celebration itself in a bittersweet manner while they lit candles to place in front of an altar with a dark skinned Christ. Today the average person does not notice the historical value of this church mainly because this church has been rebuilt as a replica of the original church using modern materials, which make it hard to notice its historic …show more content…
background. Nevertheless, this site is historically important because it is the oldest church in the city of Los Angeles. The original church was established in 1784 a few years after the first Spanish settlers established El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula a civilian settlement. Governor Felipe de Neve appointed captain Fernando Rivera to travel to Sonora and Sinaloa to enlist people to move to this new Spanish settlement. Originally the governor hoped to recruit at least 24 civilian couples and 34 married soldiers however, captain Rivera only managed to enlist 11 families comprised of 11 men, 11 women, and 22 children. The population steadily grew to 141 people by the year 1790 during which the people tended over 3,000 heads of cattle and farmed crops. Consequently, by the year 1820 El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula became the largest civilian settlement in Alta California with a population of 650 residents. All of which attended La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles the only church in the area. In the year 1822 the current structure was built as a replica of the original adobe structure, which had been damaged by flooding. This church continued to serve as the only Roman Catholic Church for many years to come. Although this church has gone through many modifications it has continued to serve the Angelino population for over two decades. The land on which it rests has been part of three separate nations starting with Spain, then with Mexico and now as part of the United States. At the time the American civil war started the church went through remodeling after almost four decades of service. Later the church experienced only minor changes such as the addition of the modern bell tower in 1875. Followed by the setting of the restored original bell on display on the left side of the main entrance as an ornament for El Camino Real. Lastly, the most recent addition to the church the placement of a mosaic over the main entrance in 1981 in celebration of the city’s bicentennial. Since then the church has continued to serve as both a historical site and as a catholic church to the catholic population of Los Angeles. This site is distinctively a very important piece of both state and local history and both governments have recognized it and attempted to preserve it.
La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles is currently listed as California Historical Landmark # 144, which shows it importance to the State of California. In addition, in 1962 this historical site was designated as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #3 which consequently demonstrates its importance to the City of Los Angeles. However, this site is not only historically significant. In the 1980’s this church declared itself a sanctuary for Salvadoran refugees facing deportation. In addition, it has become a significant symbol for many Hispanic immigrants living in the city of Los Angeles. More recently Elvira Arellano an immigration activist was arrested on August 19, 2007 and subsequently deported to her native country of Mexico. Finally, its religious value it exceptional as it represents the foundation of the Roman Catholic religion in the city of Los Angeles. In brief, this site’s incomparable historical, cultural, social and religious value makes this site a gem to both the State of California and the City of Los
Angeles.
In conclusion, although at first look this small church might not seem special it is one of the most important pieces of history in our state. I believe we as residents of this state have the responsibility of making sure that historical landmarks like this one are well taken care of. While this historical site is not in a deteriorated state it is important to safeguard its well-being and preservation. Not only has this particular site been part of the history of the United States but also a part of Mexican and Spanish history, which makes it even more important. Taking into account the incalculable value of this church in so many aspects it should be preserved as long as possible.
Works Cited
"Asistencia Nuestra Senora La Reina De Los Angeles." U. S. Mission Trail, the Mission Trail Today. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
The spanish missions in California included a total of 21 missions that were established by the Spanish Order to bring christianity and civility to the Native Americans that lived in California. The California missions were built along a path called the El Camino Real. California did not become a state until 1852 . California was actually part of the Spanish Order and was called Alta California,in 1821 Mexico got their independence from the spanish order and made alt california part of mexico. On september 9th, 1850 became the 31st state in the united states. Mission nuestra senora de soledad, which has a the of mission soledad, was founded october 9th, 1791 by the franciscan order. It was founded to help convert native americans to catholicism. Mission soledad is the 13th mission out
Mission San Juan Capistrano is in the center of the small town named for it. Shops and restaurants also named for it are found on the streets in front of the entrance to the mission. A high adobe wall surrounds the mission grounds. There are many restored buildings in the inner patio, and the great stone church. Across the fountain there is the bell wall that sits beside the ruined church. Near the bell is a statue of Father Junipero Serra. The ruins of the original stone church are in front of the mission. Only the sanctuary and parts of the church remain, but that’s enough to have an idea of how big it was. The church walls are made of large stones and birds have build nests between them. Mission San Juan Capistrano was one of many Spanish
In the town of Santa Rosa California, in the county of Sonoma sits a very run down structure in need of either reconstruction or preservation of the remaining structure. Whether they reconstruct the structure or not, it is a prime example of a structure to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. This building is called the Carrillo Adobe and was owned by a woman by the name of Maria Ygnacia de Carrillo. However the site and part of the structure was constructed before Maria Carrillo moved to the area which would later become Santa Rosa, California and constructed the first structure in the town. The foundation was laid by monks of the Franciscan order, as they planned to build the twenty-second mission in California. However the monks moved on to build a mission in the surrounding area. In 1837 Carrillo, who had just become a widow, moved from San Diego County with her children to the area, which was not yet known as Santa Rosa.
The mission of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a non-profit organization/museum founded to celebrate and cultivate an appreciation for the enduring and evolving influence of Mexican and Mexican-American culture, with a specific focus upon the unique Mexican-American experience in Los Angeles and Southern California. The museum itself is near where Los Angeles was founded in 1871 and includes a 2.2 anchor campus that includes two historic and renovated buildings (Vickrey Brunswig Building and Plaza House). All surrounded by beautiful public gardens. La Plaza is also located near the heart of Los Angeles surrounded by other ethnic sites like Little Tokyo. (However after visiting one can 't help to realize the homeless problem in the Los Angeles area, and realizing some are even Chicano.)
When entering the Basilica one intakes the view of the catenary arches with light figures hanging down above them as well as beautiful Main Alter with the original paintings and statuary. The first thing at the door of the Basilica is a large black that holds the holy are. On the left there is a gothic style baptisrty The walls of the Basilica are white with several paintings hanging from them. On the right midway though the Basilica stand the Christ of King Shrine against the wall. On the left side midway though the Basilica the entryway to the chapel in which has the “Our Lady Bethlehem Shine”. The Our Lady Bethlehem Shrine is very important to the mission because, “thousands of pilgrims come every year and pray tour Lord through her intercessions.” At the foot of the alter the gave is Junipero Serra is placed, making this Basilica so significant. To the right of the alter there is a glass in casement with the relics of the coffin of blessed Fray Junipero Serra. “The pieces of the original casket which fallen to decay were set aside for safekeeping and now exhibited here in the reliquary.” The exit of the Basilica is on the left hand site at the very front near the alter. This exit then leads to the Mission’s Main
I thought that Diane Guerrero who is an American actress speech about her family’s deportation was interesting. She recently appeared on an immigration themed of Chelsea handler’s talk show. Guerrero is the citizen daughter of immigrant parents. Guerrero mentioned how her family was taken away from her when she was just 14 years old. “Not a single person at any level of government took any note of me. No one checked to see if i had a place to live or food to eat, and at 14, i found myself basically on my own”, Guerrero added. Luckily, Guerrero had good friends to help her. She told handler how her family try to become legal but there were no sign or help. Her parents lost their money to scammers who they believed to be a lawyer. When her family’s
Our lady of Guadalupe is the most venerated and respected by the Catholics. The appearance of the Virgin caused a great commotion in the Catholic Church. Ever since the Virgin's first appearance, Catholics have respected and acquired so much faith to the Virgin. The lady of Guadalupe has so many faithful followers that believe in her without any hesitation because of the miracles that she has made for the people that were once suffering and were miraculously helped by her. Because of the help that she has provided for those who were suffering people never forget her and they celebrate the day of her appearance every year by doing parties in her honor. The Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance certainly changed the belief of Catholics and, I believe
Castillo first shows the reader her distrust of patriarchy and its vertical structures through La Loca Santa’s death. The first structure under scrutiny here is the Catholic Church. After La Loca awakens she throws herself into the air and lands on the top of the Church, saying that those below her carry the same scent that she had smelled while in hell. With Loca high above the others she can be seen as a “substation” for a new Chicana Christ figure (Delgadillo 895). She tells those gathered below that she has been sent back to pray for them so that they would be able to see their Creator in heaven. Father Jerome pleads with her to come down so that the congregation could pray for her. She then reminds him that it is she that was sent to pray for them. With La Loca in the position of a Christ figure of the system, the structure of the system, in this case religion,...
The Lady of Guadalupe is a huge part of the Mexican tradition, and how many people look up to her in a very godly way. She is important, because she reminds people of their appreciation for their own cultures, along with the other cultures that are all over the world. The Lady of Guadalupe is someone that is the exact replica of the Virgin Mary. But, the only difference is, is that the Virgin Mary is a saint that is represented in the European culture, and the Lady of Guadalupe in the Aztec and Native culture of Mexico. The lady of Guadalupe is a positive influence on different religions, especially Christianity.
The image of the Virgin Mary seen by Juan Diego has changed the world. About forty years after Mary’s appearance to Diego, it is believed to be a turning point in western civilization. At this time there were a lot of copies of the painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe being circulated around Europe and one ended up in the hands of Admiral Giovanni Andrea Doria. The King of Spain gave this special copy to him. There were three hundred Turkish ships blocking the Gulf of Lepanto and the admiral was given command of a squadron to sail to the blockade. The Christian fleet consisting of about three hundred ships was to meet the Turkish navy head on. However, the Turkish outmaneuvered the Christian forces. It is said that when this crucial hour was at hand, Doria went into his cabin to kneel and pray before the Image of Guadalupe. By nightfall the direction of the battle started to shift. One Turkish squadron was defeated and captured causing the others to panic which lead to the destruction of the whole fleet. Fifteen thousand Christians that were enslaved in the Turkish galleys were freed. This battle marked the end of the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into the western Mediterranean.1
Catholicism brought many ideas with it, including holidays like Dia de Muertos and Christmas. These holidays influenced the people and brought many followers into this new religion. Spanish influence was also important in the building of churches across Mexico, and by this it created focal point for the spread of Catholicism. The churches were of upmost importance to the Mexican people. They put much of their time in to these churches so that it could be a physical expression of their devotion to Catholicism. In addition to churches, Catholicism was included in the governmental construction of Mexico as a way to keep religion as a top priority in the lives of its citizens. Figures symbolic to Catholicism were a great way to remind people of the significance religion has been in the upbringing of Mexico. Spanish influence over Mexico has been vital to its religious point as of now. “God, Liberty, and Federalism” (Calderón de la Barca 223) stated by Valentin Gomez Farias illustrates the key influences by the Spanish, and how the advancement of Mexico has continued since the 19th
The use of religious symbols Santa Sabina’s religious symbols are poignant throughout the school, they communicate to the student the ideology of Catholicism and represent the deeply ingrained symbols of history within the
Despite having to battle discrimination and poor neighborhoods, second and third generation Mexican-Americans have made a great strife to overcome large obstacles. Mexican-Americans are finally gaining representation in city government representing the 9.6 million Mexican residents of Los Angeles. White politicians can no longer ignore Mexicans in Los Angeles, as former mayor Richard Riordan saw in the elections of 1997, in which his re-election was largely in part to the high turnout of Mexican voters in his favor. Although Capitalism still exists in the greater Los Angeles, its influence is not as great as it was fifty years ago. Los Angeles continues to serve as the breeding grounds for new cultures, ideologies, and alternative lifestyles. The pursuit of the American Dream becomes a reality for most immigrants in LA. LA is a great place to live, party, and be from. I knew little about the history of Los Angeles prior to this course, but now I am well prepared to answer the question of, “What makes Los Angeles, Los Angeles?”
Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, or the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, is an association dedicated to protesting the human rights violations carried out by Argentina’s military regime between 1976 and 1983 during the Dirty War. This group is comprised mainly of mothers of citizens who were kidnapped, or “disappeared”, by the government in attempts to silence anti-government sentiments. Families lost their children and, to this day, many families remain desolate of their loved ones. The Mothers continued searching for their children and their families in the hopes that they are still alive. After the military was overthrown and was replaced, the Mothers’ purpose began to be fulfilled as many as the disappeared were found, and many of the members
When I was a child I used to be frightened of entering such a place for it seemed so imposing and somewhat dangerous, especially when music was being played. One day, in order to keep a promise I had made, I saw myself forced to enter. It took me quite a while to get the courage to pass through the old oak door, but the moment I stepped in, I realized just how enchanting and breathtaking this building could be. Its fantastic architecture and exquisite frescoes reflect perfectly the unity between this earth and the unseen kingdom of angels in such a manner that one cannot say where one ends and the other begins. The way in which the church was built is also the vivid testimony of a medieval period. Although it is a place that can sometimes be cold and ask for respect it is where prayers are answered and magic is done. An overwhelming feeling of inner harmony takes over you once you enter and God seems much closer. Darkness and light are welded perfectly together creating Redemption’s house. The tower allows you to see the entire town from the smallest river to the biggest building site, offering you its mightiness.