The first thing many notice when looking at Mission San Buenaventura is the large stone buttress that dominates the front of the church. It’s one of several that reinforce the old adobe structure. Unlike many of California’s missions, this church is largely original and has not been replaced or significantly rebuilt over the years.
This prominent buttress traces its roots back to the great earthquake and tidal wave of December 21, 1812 — a tragic and unforgettable time remembered by the Chumash people as the year of the earthquakes.
It all began on December 8, 1812, when a massive quake struck the southern California missions, centered along the San Andreas Fault. It completely destroyed the stone church at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The earthquake struck during morning mass, causing the heavy stone roof and walls to collapse on worshippers inside. The Padres believed it was a miracle that only forty-two people died in the disaster. Though the tremor was felt in Ventura, it caused no immediate damage. Other missions — and the growing settlement of Los Angeles — were also affected. When word of the tragedy reached Ventura, a caravan of ox carts and volunteers was sent to assist at San Juan Capistrano…