Statue of Junípero Serra (Carmel-by-the-Sea, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Junípero Serra |
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The statue in 2018
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| Artist | Joseph Jacinto Mora |
| Year | 1922 |
| Medium | Oak sculpture |
| Subject | Junípero Serra |
| Location | Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, U.S. |
| 36°33′54″N 121°55′11″W / 36.56492°N 121.91961°W | |
The Statue of Junípero Serra, sometimes called the Serra Shrine, is a wooden sculpture located in Carmel Woods, a community in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA. This statue was created by artist Joseph "Jo" Mora (1876-1947). He designed and carved it for a new housing area developed by Samuel F.B. Morse.
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About the Serra Statue
The wooden statue of Junípero Serra was placed on July 22, 1922. This date was special because it was the opening day for the new Carmel Woods neighborhood. It was also "Serra Day," a holiday declared by the town of Carmel.
The memorial was set up where several streets meet: Serra Avenue, Dolores Street, Alta Avenue, and Camino Del Monte. This spot is in the Carmel Woods community, part of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
How the Statue Was Made
The small statue was carved from oak wood. A local artist named Joseph Jacinto Mora created it. The statue was placed inside a wooden shrine. Plants and two wooden benches surrounded the shrine.
Samuel Finley Brown Morse, who was the president of Del Monte Properties Company, asked for the sculpture to be made. He wanted it for the entrance to his new Carmel Woods development.
The Dedication Ceremony
On the opening day, the Serra Shrine was officially dedicated. Father Raymond Mestres, who was the pastor of the Carmel Mission, led the ceremony. A poem written by George Sterling about the statue was read aloud.
A copy of the statue was carried in a special parade. The parade went from Carmel Mission to Carmel Woods. A cavalry guard and a band from the Monterey Presidio joined the procession.
Statue's Recent History
The statue was marked with black paint on September 23, 2015. Later, on June 23, 2020, the city of Carmel decided to remove the shrine. They did this to keep it safe. There were worries it might be marked again during the George Floyd protests.
