The fifteenth California mission, founded by the Franciscan Fermin de Lasuen in 1797. It stands about 100 feet from the San Andreas Fault and has been damaged by earthquakes repeatedly, including in 1800 and 1906, and it is still an active parish church.
What it needs
The church is about 100 feet from the San Andreas Fault and has not been seismically retrofitted; the California Missions Foundation's 2025 annual report, published in June 2026, says it remains in need of a retrofit. The first step is seismic strengthening and roof repair of the two-story front facade (entrance, baptistry and choir loft), for which a $750,000 federal Save America's Treasures grant must be matched dollar for dollar.
Before you act. It could not be confirmed how much has been raised, whether the federal match is complete or when work starts. Now a diocesan parish, not a monastic house. Sources differ on the earthquake history: Wikipedia says the mission was never entirely destroyed at once, while the Preservation Fund's 2023 release says earthquakes destroyed it twice in the 1800s.
Last checked 9 November 2026. Parts of this entry could not be fully confirmed; see the note above. Responsible body: Mission San Juan Bautista Preservation Fund (501(c)(3); P.O. Box 222, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045).
Cement plaster applied in the mid-twentieth century trapped moisture and damaged the decorated facade; conservators are removing it and stabilizing the original plaster in seasonal phases, with later phases to replace lost columns and the balcony. The Spring 2026 newsletter adds that the Convento and Granjon wings need foundation reinforcement, adobe wall rehabilitation, new water and electrical systems, treatment of insect-damaged mesquite beams and hazardous-material abatement. Donations to Patronato San Xavier pay for the conservation team, outside experts and the next stages of work.
The community says it is at capacity in its present building and tiny temporary chapel and is running out of room for new vocations, while the 1960s ranch house that holds the chapel is deteriorating. Ground was broken on 5 June 2026 for phase two, a two-story living-quarters building of about 30,000 square feet bringing capacity to 70 sisters; phase three is a permanent monastic church. Gifts go to the 'Help Us Build' fund, including a 'One Day Wage' appeal.
