1908a San Rafael/San Francisco de Solano p45

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[p. 45] San Rafael, p. 45

     The mission of San Rafael, the first one located north of San Francisco, was established December 18th, 1817. The Fathers and the Government of California had a double purpose in fixing the site of the establishment. It was intended to head off the Russian encroachment from the north, and also as a refuge for the neophytes of San Francisco de Asis, of which it was a branch. A scourge had become epidemic at Mission Dolores and many of its occupants were transferred to the new site, which was supposed to be in a healthier region.

     This establishment was never very populous or influential. It reached its zenith in 1828 when a membership of 1,140 neophytes were reported. After this date it steadily declined and at the time of its secularization only about 500 Indians remained. During its existence, 1873 converts were baptized.

[p. 45] San Francisco de Solano, p. 45

     On the 4th of July, 1823, a cross was blessed, Holy Mass was offered up, sacred songs were sung, and the Mission of San Francisco de Solano was founded. It was called New San Francisco. It was not until April 4th, 1824, that the mission church was formally dedicated, by Father Altimira, to the patron saint of the Indies. This structure was of wood, and the one of adobe, the remains of which are seen today, was erected the same year, many articles being donated by the Russians, then living in that region of the country. The walls of the new church were about completed, when a terrific downpour of rain, lasting several days, did great injury and changed the original plan. At the close of the year, 1824, the mission numbered 639 neophytes, many of whom had come from San Francisco, San José, and San Rafael. At the time of secularization the movable property was distributed to the Indians. After 1840, Solano had no existence as a mission community. During its entire history, 1,31 persons were there baptized. Its greatest population was in 1823, when there were 996 persons enrolled.

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 Kelyn Roberts 2017