Mission Concepcion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña |
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The church of Mission Concepción
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Location | |
| Location | 807 Mission Rd San Antonio, Texas 78210 |
 Location in Texas
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial |
| Completed | 1731 |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii) |
| Designated | 2015 (39th session) |
| Parent listing | San Antonio Missions |
| Reference no. | 1466-004 |
| State Party |  United States |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| April 15, 1970 | |
| 70000740 | |
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña, often called Mission Concepción, is a historic building in San Antonio, Texas. Franciscan Friars first built this mission in East Texas in 1711. Its original name was Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de los Hainais. The mission was part of an expedition led by Domingo Ramón and Louis Juchereau de St. Denis.
The friars wanted to teach the Hasinai people about Catholicism. They also aimed to help them learn what they needed to become citizens of Mexico. In 1731, the mission moved to San Antonio. After this move, most people living at the mission were Pajalats, who spoke a Coahuiltecan language. Today, Catholic Mass is still held at Mission Concepción every Sunday.
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A Historic Battle at Mission Concepción
On October 28, 1835, an important event happened here. Mexican soldiers, led by Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, fought against Texian fighters. The Texians were led by James Bowie and James Fannin. This fight is known as the Battle of Concepción.
Historian J.R. Edmondson said this 30-minute battle was "the first major engagement of the Texas Revolution." It was a key moment in the fight for Texas's independence.
Mission Concepción: A Landmark Structure
Mission Concepción is the oldest stone church in America that has not been fully rebuilt. This means much of its original structure is still standing. On April 15, 1970, it was named a National Historic Landmark. It is also part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
In 2015, something very special happened. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Mission Concepción a World Heritage Site. Four other San Antonio missions, including The Alamo, also received this honor. This was the first World Heritage Site in Texas. It is one of only twenty-three such sites in the United States.
What You'll Find Inside Mission Concepción
Mission Concepción has several main parts. These include a sanctuary, a nave, a convento (where the friars lived), and a granary (for storing grain). When the mission was first built, its walls were covered in bright paintings. These paintings, called frescos, decorated both the outside and inside of the building.
Even today, you can still see traces of these old frescoes on the outside walls. In 1988, experts worked to restore some of the artwork inside the convento. More restoration work happened in 2010. This project by the Archdiocese of San Antonio uncovered even more frescoes. These newly found paintings were in the sanctuary and the nave.
Solar Alignment at the Church
The main entrance on the western side of the church is special. It is built so that the setting sun shines directly through it. This creates a "double solar illumination event" each year. This event happens around August 15. This date is important because it is the feast day of the Assumption of Mary.
Images for kids
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The church in 1892.
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The church in 2017.
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The area surrounding the mission.
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The portal to the church.
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Interior of the church.
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Stairwell adjacent to the church leading to the former Father President's office
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Interior fresco upon the ceiling of the old library in the convento.
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Architectural drawing from HAER
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The grotto in 2017.
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See also
- Spanish missions in Texas
- Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Mission San Francisco de la Espada
- Espada Acequia
