The present church structure, completed in 1812, has seen continuous use since its founding. The property surrounding Mission belongs to the State of California. Daytime strollers, families, picnickers, and tourists from foreign countries come to San Juan Bautista to glimpse at what life was once like in the town.
Just a few steps inside the massive carved entrace doors, if you look down at the old red tile floor, you'll see 180-year old animal paw prints, probably left by some wandering pets before the tiles dried. Look also for the little "cat door" located in one of the side doors in the church's rear, a reminder from the days when felines served "mice patrol" duty. You wiwll find authentic altar statues, a faux-marble painted wall decoration, a husge sandstone baptismal font, all in place since the church's founding.
It's a step back in time - 200 years - to enter this old sanctuary, which architecturally hasn't suffered the ravages of time or ruin. Although there was some earthquake damage in 1906, reinforcements over the years have helped prevent problems from tremblors.
The intnerior focus is on a colorful primitive altar screen painted in 1816. The rerodos, as its called, was done by Thomas Doak, an American sailor who jumped ship in the port of Monterey and, seeking shelter in the mission settlement, was hired to do the job for room and board. The designs are original, left just as Doak painted them.
A long corridor runs along the front of the Mission, shading former padres' quaraters; the space is now devoted to museum displays of the mission's rich and colorful past, as well as souvineer shops.
source: Visit the Past at Mission San Juan Bautista, Elizabeth Barratt (published in Miracle Miles newspaper - January 31, 1996)
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