Our Lady of Sorrows Church (Santa Barbara, California) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Our Lady of Sorrows Church
Location	21 East Sola Street, Santa Barbara, California
Country	United States
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	[1]
History
Status	Church
Founded	July 29, 1855
Architecture
Heritage designation	Designated landmark of the City of Santa Barbara
Designated	May 17, 2016
Architect(s)	Edward Eames
Architectural type	Spanish Colonial Revival
Style	Spanish Romanesque architecture
Completed	1929

Our Lady of Sorrows Church (Spanish: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores) is a Catholic church in Santa Barbara, California. It was built in 1929. This beautiful church is a special landmark in Santa Barbara. It was given this important title on May 17, 2016. The church is named after "Our Lady of Sorrows."

A Long History

The story of Our Lady of Sorrows Church began a long time ago in 1782. It started as a small chapel. This chapel was part of the Presidio of Santa Barbara. A presidio was like a fort built by the Spanish. It helped protect the Spanish settlements in California.

This first church was built for the Spanish military. It was founded by Father Junípero Serra. He was a very important person in California's history. Father Serra held Santa Barbara's first Mass at this chapel. He also provided many things for the church. These included furniture, altar pieces, and books for a library.

Early Church Buildings

On July 29, 1855, the first church building was officially opened. It was located at the corner of State Street and Figueroa Street. Students from a nearby school helped build this church. The school was called the Apostolic College of Our Lady of Sorrows. Sadly, this building was destroyed by a fire in August 1865.

A new church was built to replace the one that burned down. It was finished in May 1867. This new church was built at the same street corner. In 1904, two new bell towers were added. These towers held three large bells. The bells weighed about 2,200 pounds, 1,250 pounds, and 650 pounds. They were blessed on July 17 of that year.

Changes and Challenges

By 1908, a group called the Jesuit Fathers took over running the church. They were part of the Society of Jesus.

On June 29, 1925, a big earthquake hit Santa Barbara. It measured 6.8 on the Richter magnitude scale. This earthquake badly damaged much of the church. The front of the church, one whole side, and one bell tower were destroyed. The other bell tower was also heavily damaged.

Because of the damage, a new location was chosen for the church. This is where the church stands today. It is on the corner of East Sola Street and Anacapa Street. It is also across from Alameda Park.

On June 30, 2014, the church's administration changed again. It was passed over to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Images for kids

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  Our Lady of Sorrows Church on State & Figueroa Streets, circa 1880.

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  Southern transept of the church

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  Tower

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  Southern side elevation

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  Oblique view of the southern side elevation

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  Plaque of the cornerstone