Across the San Fernando Mission Bridge we stand. Feel the cool breeze. See the sun glisten on the water below. This isn’t just any bridge. It connects us to centuries of history. The San Fernando Mission Bridge is a silent witness to the rise and fall of a vibrant community.
Mission San Fernando Rey de España was founded in 1797. It was the 17th of 21 missions established in Alta California. Father Fermín Lasuén established the mission. He chose a location near a watering place noted by Fray Juan Crespí in 1769. The mission thrived. It produced wine and aguardiente. It also grew olives wheat and other crops. Imagine the bustling activity. Hear the sounds of hammers and saws. Feel the rhythm of the lives lived here.
The mission’s success was short-lived. Secularization in 1834 marked a turning point. The mission’s lands were taken over. Many Native Americans left. The buildings began to decay. But the spirit of San Fernando Mission remained. In 1861 the mission buildings and 75 acres of land were returned to the church. Restoration efforts followed. The mission became a museum and chapel.
The San Fernando Mission Bridge spans East Canyon Channel. It silently observes the mission’s story. It connects the past to the present. The bridge is a modern addition. It stands in contrast to the aged adobe structures of the mission. Yet they share a common thread. Both stand as symbols of perseverance. They speak of a community that endures. They remind us of the enduring legacy of Mission San Fernando Rey de España.
Step across this bridge. Feel its solidity. Know that you stand on more than just concrete and steel. You stand on history. You stand on faith. You stand on the legacy of San Fernando Mission.