Mission San Gabriel

 San Gabriel is the  only mission which has it's bell tower at the rear of the church. When the church was built the bell tower was in the more conventional location at the right front. An earthquake in 1812 destroyed that tower. You can still see the ruins, where the tower detached from the building. When the bells were re-hung they were put in a separate campanero at the left rear of the church.





Gabriel, the Archangel has the place of honor at the top of the altar. He is flanked by two famous Franciscans, Francis of Assisi, the first Franciscan, and Anthony of Padua.