When was the last time you walked through the large wooden doors of the Chapel at El Presidio Santa Bárbara State Historic Park?
Founding Day, 2017. Photo by Fritz Olenberger.
It was likely for an occasion that has fixed in your memory. One spent celebrating one of life’s important rituals, perhaps a beautiful wedding ceremony with your loved ones, or to participate in the joyful sounds of a concert. Dating back to the late-18th century, the Presidio Chapel served as a central meeting place and place of worship for the first European settlers of Santa Barbara.
Chapel construction, 1986.
The doors are an iconic feature of El Presidio SHP, but after 34 years of use the doors are in need of major repairs due to the deterioration of the wood. More recently, one door has had to be propped up with modern hardware just to keep it up in place – illustrating the need for a permanent solution.
Las Posadas, 2019. Photo by Dr. Paul Mori.
With your help, we can fund fabrication of two new custom-milled doors, hand-forged nails and door hardware, and the re-installation of the existing hand-forged lock. The total cost to replace the doors and hardware is $15,000 and we hope to complete the project this year.
Asian American Neighborhood Festival, 2016. Photo by Fritz Olenberger.
Please consider a donation to restore the entrance doors to the Presidio Chapel so that Santa Barbarans, Californians, and visitors from all over the world can continue to enjoy this special place.
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Presidio Pastimes by Candlelight, 2014. Photo by Fritz Olenberger.
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