Picturesque Pala / The Story of the Mission Chapel of San Antonio de Padua Connected with Mission San Luis Rey

Name: Picturesque Pala / The Story of the Mission Chapel of San Antonio de Padua Connected with Mission San Luis Rey
Author: George Wharton James

By George Wharton James

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History - American History - Religious

About This Book

The book traces the establishment of the small mission chapel at Pala as an asistencia of San Luis Rey, recounting its founding by Franciscan fathers and the role of Padre Peyri. It describes the distinctive campanile and its slow decline alongside the parent mission, then narrates the 1916 storm that toppled the bell-tower and the subsequent community-led effort to salvage and faithfully rebuild it under Father George D. Doyle. The author examines the Palas' ancestry and daily life, including farming, waterworks, and traditional crafts such as basketry, lace, and pottery. The narrative balances architectural and historical detail with portraits of religious and social practices, ending with the campanile's collapse and restoration.

About the Author

George Wharton James

James George Wharton was an American author and advocate for the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the American Southwest. He is best known for his works that explore the landscapes and indigenous peoples of the region, such as "The Grand Canyon of Arizona: How to See It" and "The Indians of the Painted Desert Region: Hopis, Navahoes, Wallapais, Havasupais." Wharton's writings often reflect his deep appreciation for nature and his desire to promote understanding between different cultures. His diverse body of work includes travel narratives, historical accounts, and personal reflections, making significant contributions to the literature of the American West.