San Bernardino Asistencia

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**San Bernardino Asistencia**
Location	Redlands, California
The campanario "bell wall"
Namesake	"The Asistencia"
Founding Date	1819
Military District	First
Owner	County of San Bernardino
Current Use	Museum
Coordinates	34°02′40″N, 117°13′15″W
California Historical Landmark	#42
Web Site	http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/museum/branches/asist.htm

The San Bernardino Asistencia (or San Bernardino Estancia) was established in 1819, as a "sub-mission" to Mission San Gabriel Arcángel. The Mission proper was constructed around 1830 on a portion of the Bernardino Rancho approximately one mile from the original site, which was used as an outpost to graze cattle.

After secularization of the missions in 1833, the Mexican Governor of California granted the lands of the Rancho to José del Carmen Lugo, José Maria Lugo, Vincénte Lugo, and their cousin Diego Sepulveda. Included were the all of the buildings of the Asistencia which included a tile kiln, a lime kiln, and a grist mill. The property subsequently was sold to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and occupied by Bishop Nathan C. Tenney from 1851 through 1859, when Dr. Benjamin Barton purchased it from the Mormons. Dr. Barton practiced medicine and resided on the property until 1867. Over time, materials were removed from the abandoned structure, which fell into a state of ruin. In 1925, the County of San Bernardino acquired the Mission property from the Barton family. All remaining historic materials were salvaged and construction of a new, six-room structure commenced in 1926 with later funding from the Works Progress Administration relief project (assisted by the San Bernardino County Historical Society). The restoration was completed in 1937 and the rebuilt Mission was unveiled to the general public as "The Asistencia."

Unfortunately, a great deal of artistic license was taken in the design of the new, six-room structure (including exhibit space and a residence for the site manager) which replaced what was left of the original chapel building. Additionally, a freestanding campanario ("bell wall") was constructed (similar to that at Mission San Antonio de Pala) even though none had existed previously. Today the facility is operated as a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum.