Window on the West - restoration of Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano, California - Brief Article

Sunset, Dec, 1999 by David Lansing

Grace in the ruins

* "Let me show you what the inside of an earthquake looks like," Gerald J. Miller says, stepping into the Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The dome ceiling is a spiderweb of upside-down crevasses where stones seem suspended in midair. Head craned back in amazement, Miller says, "We have no idea what's holding the ceiling up."

The damage dates from 1812, when a massive earthquake destroyed the mission church. Since then, Mission San Juan Capistrano - founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1776 - has been numbered among the loveliest ruins in the world.

But about 10 years ago, authorities realized that the mission's picturesquely broken walls were ready to collapse completely. That's when Miller stepped in. Administrator of the mission, he has led a massive effort to restore what he calls "a testament to California's unique and enduring heritage."

Following Miller through the grounds is like traveling in a time machine. "This tells the California story," Miller says, admiring one recently restored church wall. "People came before us, they struggled, they had terrible setbacks, but somehow they survived."

So far, Miller and fellow preservationists have spent $1.8 million to aid Mission San Juan Capistrano. Still, he estimates, another $5 million will be needed to stabilize the ruins of the Great Stone Church and restore other mission buildings, such as the adjoining campanario, or bell wall.

Is it all worth it? There's no doubt, according to Miller. "These majestic ruins," he says looking around, "belong to the ages."

For information on Mission San Juan Capistrano restoration, call (949) 248-2047 or visit www.missionsjc.com.