San Carlos Cathedral

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San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey “Royal Presidio Chapel”

1 History
2 Architecture
3 Associated Landmarks and Buildings
4 San Carlos Today
5 Bibliography
6 References

[edit] History

Father Junipero Serra founded San Carlos Borrromeo de Monterey on June 3, 1770, while he explored the Monterey Peninsula. A year later, the Mission was moved to Carmel, and the church remained, serving as a Royal Chapel for soldiers guarding the new Spanish Presidio of Monterey. In 1849, San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey was elevated a cathedral. It is the oldest still functioning church and smallest cathedral in the country. It is also the first stone building and cathedral in the state of California, representing the birth of Carmel Mission as well as the first capital of California.

[edit] Architecture

The Royal Presidio Chapel is the first stone building in California and reflects the exquisite Spanish Colonial style of the late 1700s. The Moorish influence is also evident in the fine architecture. The ornamental arches and portals carved in sandstone make the church unique and arguably the most beautiful of all the Missions. A garden surrounds the gated Mission, with a path leading all the way round and to both San Carlos School and the Rectory of San Carlos Cathedral. To the right of the Cathedral lies a statue of the Virgin Mary with an arch beneath. At the rear of the building is the Junipero Oak, a California landmark. There is a bell tower to announce Mass and in the niche at the very top of the façade there is a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the oldest non-indigenous sculpture in the state.

[edit] Associated Landmarks and Buildings

The Vizcaíno-Serra Oak (The Junipero Oak)

Father Junipero Serra performed the ceremony of taking possession of California in the name of Spain under this oak tree. Right Reverend Monsignor Ramón M. Mestres installed the Junipero Oak tree trunk at the rear of the Royal Presidio Chapel, where it remains today. The trunk is being preserved with crude oil and creosote and is held together by a wire frame. It is mounted on a concrete pedestal and is filled with concrete where it gets eaten away.

San Carlos School

Right Reverend Monsignor Rámon M. Mestres founded San Carlos School in 1898. The Catholic school is still running today and lies directly to the right of the Rectory of San Carlos Cathedral. Originally, it also served as a school and convent combined, but today the teachers live off campus.

Carmel Mission

Father Junipero Serra founded Carmel Mission in 1771, directly after San Carlos Cathedral. The Mission soon became home and headquarters to Serra.

[edit] San Carlos Today

Today San Carlos is still running as a Catholic church for the local population. It is located on Church Street, adjacent to Lake El Estero, and within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf and downtown Monterey.

The Mass Schedule is as follows:

Weekdays: 7:45 am & 12:15 pm

Saturday: 4:00 pm

Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12 noon & 5:30 pm

Holy Days: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 12 noon & 5:30 pm

The Mass schedule is subject to change during holidays and other special occasions. Individual tours are welcome anytime between the daily Masses. Non-Catholics and Catholics alike are allowed to sit in during normally scheduled Masses at any time. The Royal Presidio Chapel conducts standard Parish services such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. For more information, please contact the Rectory of San Carlos Cathedral at (831) 373-2628. San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey is located at 500 Church Street, Monterey, California 93940.

In connection with the Royal Presidio Chapel, the Heritage Center Museum gives docent tours and is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Mondays through Saturdays, as well as from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sundays. For more information, please call (831) 373-6711.