The mission was not one of the originals built by the Spanish. It was constructed by the five Dons of the local ranchos because of the long distance to the nearest mission in San Diego. It was built on a beautiful spot, surrounded by several hundred hectares for cattle and farming.
Father Lopez, a man of fifty years, had been educated in Spain. Unknown to all but Hernando, his wife, and their son, Father Lopez was Hernando Batista"s cousin. So, when Father Lopez saw Hernando Batista riding to the mission in the company of three men, he was pleased. Hernando had rescued him from a minor position in Mexico and brought him to California to build the Mission Santa Maria.
Mission Santa Maria“Buenos días Padré, it is a pleasure to see you,” greeted Hernando.
“Buenos días Don Hernando, what br
