Mission Concepcion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña
The church of Mission Concepción
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
Location
Location	807 Mission Rd San Antonio, Texas 78210
Location in Texas
Architecture
Architectural style	Spanish Colonial
Completed	1731
UNESCO World Heritage Site
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
U.S. National Historic Landmark
April 15, 1970
70000740

Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña, often called Mission Concepción, is a very old and important building in San Antonio, Texas. It was first built by Franciscan friars (religious brothers) in 1711 in East Texas. The main goal was to teach the Hasinai people about Catholicism and help them become part of Spanish society.

In 1731, the friars moved the mission to its current spot in San Antonio. After the move, many of the people living at the mission were Pajalats, who spoke a Coahuiltecan language. Even today, Catholic Mass is still held at Mission Concepción every Sunday.

A Historic Landmark

Mission Concepción is known as the oldest stone church in America that has not been fully rebuilt. It still looks much like it did hundreds of years ago.

Important Recognitions

Because of its history, Mission Concepción has received special honors:

• On April 15, 1970, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a place of great national importance.
• It is also part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
• In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Mission Concepción and four other San Antonio missions, including The Alamo, a World Heritage Site. This was the first World Heritage Site in Texas and one of only 23 in the United States.

Inside the Mission

Mission Concepción has several main parts: a sanctuary (the holy area), a nave (the main part of the church where people sit), a convento (where the friars lived), and a granary (for storing grain).

Beautiful Frescoes

When the mission was first built, its walls, both inside and out, were covered with bright frescoes. Frescoes are paintings done on wet plaster. You can still see some faint traces of these old paintings on the outside of the building.

In 1988, experts worked to restore some of the artwork on the ceilings and walls inside the convento. More frescoes were uncovered in the sanctuary and nave during another restoration project in 2010.

Battle of Concepción

Mission Concepción was also the site of an important battle. On October 28, 1835, Mexican soldiers, led by Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, fought against Texian fighters. The Texian side was led by James Bowie and James Fannin.

This fight, called the Battle of Concepción, lasted about 30 minutes. Historians say it was the first major battle of the Texas Revolution.

Special Solar Alignment

The main entrance of the church, on the western side, is built in a very special way. It lines up with the sunset so that a unique "double solar illumination event" happens every year. This event usually takes place around August 15, which is the feast day of the Assumption of Mary.

Gallery of Mission Concepción

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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.

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