Conservation of Serra Chapel: Termite Tenting December 27 -28, 2005

During the past several months, we have provided parishioners with an opportunity to understand and be involved in the Serra Chapel Conservation Project. Recent Parish Bulletins have provided information regarding conservation work underway. On behalf of the Mission Preservation Team, Fr. Art and I are thrilled to report to you that much has been accomplished since our last update in late August. In early October, the Team initiated work on the St. Peregrine Chapel (the small side chapel located on the southeast side of the Serra Chapel). Specifically, the St. Peregrine Chapel has been re-roofed, the eroded adobe bricks have been replaced, and the building exterior has been re-plastered. A pigmented limewash formulated to match the east wall of the Serra Chapel will be applied in the coming weeks.

With this work behind us, staff will now focus on carrying out interior improvements and preservation within the Chapel. The priority projects for the "new year" include:

1. Consolidating, inpainting, and cleaning the interior decorative wall paintings;
2. Conserving the golden retablo, and repairing the badly deteriorated wooden corbels and beams;
3. Conserving the first of fourteen paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross, Station IV: Jesus Meets His Mother;
4. Carrying out conservation work on a second altar candlestick; and
5. Refurbishing the 1920's pews.

However, before we begin any work on the interior wooden features, a professional pest control company will treat the Mission for termites. Two parts of this termite treatment effort will be implemented: the first part, which has already been completed, entails carrying out a non-invasive "in-ground" treatment for subterranean termites; the second part is more labor intensive, and it involves tenting and fumigating the Gift Shop, South Wing, Serra Chapel, Rectory, Kindergarten classrooms, and Mission Administrative Building. Preparatory work will begin on Friday, December 23rd. Actual tents will be put in place on Tuesday, December 27th - with removal on Wednesday, December 28th. The buildings will be open to the public on Thursday, December 29th; however, the Serra Chapel will not be opened for Mass until Friday, December 30th. During this time, the Mission will provide a reduced flat admission rate of $3 per guest four years and older. Gift Shop operations will be temporarily relocated to a canopy set north of the Soldiers Barracks.

There are bound to be visual impacts as a result of this project, not to mention disruption. However, in order to ensure the Chapel remains viable for the next one hundred years, it is imperative that we carry out this work despite the impacts and disruptions. Any vegetation that is lost will ultimately rebound.

Finally, it is critical that all of us be aware and supportive of the work that is needed. The Historic Mission staff is committed to carrying out the entire conservation of the Serra Chapel within three years. Raising $1.5 million will expedite the work and return the Chapel to its proper uninterrupted tradition of worship. If you are interested in supporting the work for the Serra Chapel and would like to make a gift to the campaign, please contact Ellen Pierce, Mission Development Manager, at 234-1375. It has been nearly 82 years since the last major restoration effort, which was carried out under the guidance of Father Saint John O'Sullivan. It is critical that we continue the tradition of maintaining this highly significant treasure of California history. We invite your support.

Sincerely,