Mission Tutors Come To You

Mission District is a neighborhood in San Francisco, California. Often referred to as, “The Mission,” and originally called, “the Mission lands;” Mission District is named for Mission San Francisco de Asis. Mission San Francisco de Asis is one of twenty-one mission outposts created in California by Spanish missionaries, between 1769 and 1833.

When the Spanish began to settle Alta California (what is now the U.S. state of California), Spanish missionaries felt it was important that they too take their message of faith north. The goal of creating the missions was to introduce the Native American peoples, to the beliefs of Christianity and the Catholic Franciscan order. They also immersed Native Americans in the Spanish ranching lifestyle. Mission Dolores was founded in 1776, by Lieutenant Jose Joaquin Moraga and Francisco Palou. Both Moraga and Palou were members of the de Anza Expedition; whose purpose was to help bring Spanish settlers into Alta California, and evangelize to the local Native Americans.

The Mission was named after the founder of the Franciscan Order, St. Francis of Assisi. But it is also called Mission Dolores because of the nearby creek, the Arroyo de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores; which translates to, “Our Lady of Sorrows Creek.” While Mission Dolores was established in the late 1700’s, and has remained a functioning Church to this day; some would say that it’s most influential point in history was during the early 1800’s. Historian Brother Guire Cleary describes Mission Dolores: “At its peak in 1810–1820, the average Indian population at Pueblo Dolores was about 1,100 persons. The California missions were not only houses of worship; they were farming communities, manufacturers of all sorts of products, hotels, ranches, hospitals, schools, and the centers of the largest communities in the state. In 1810, the Mission owned 11,000 sheep, 11,000 cows, and thousands of horses, goats, pigs, and mules. Its ranching and farming operations extended as far south as San Mateo and east to Alameda. Horses were corralled on Potrero Hill, and the milking sheds for the cows were located along Dolores Creek at what is today, Mission High School. Twenty looms were kept in operation to process wool into cloth. The circumference of the mission’s holdings were said to have been about 125 miles.” Mission Dolores could have tutored others in running successful enterprises.

Today, Mission Dolores is not just recognised as one of the twenty-one iconic California missions; it is also the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco. Because of the great earthquake of 1906, most of historical San Francisco was destroyed. Remarkably, Mission Dolores survived the earthquake and the test of time. Visitors from all over come to visit the mission and appreciate its historical value. Many still attend weekly mass and other services held by the active parish.

Mission District tutors want all students do well in school. If your student is struggling in school, a Mission District tutor could be just what you need. Every student deserves the chance to succeed.