Spanish Missions in California - Father-Presidents of The Alta California Mission System

Father-Presidents of The Alta California Mission System

  • Father Junípero Serra (1769–1784)
  • Father Francisco Palóu (presidente pro tempore) (1784–1785)
  • Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén (1785–1803)
  • Father Pedro Estévan Tápis (1803–1812)
  • Father José Francisco de Paula Señan (1812–1815)
  • Father Mariano Payéras (1815–1820)
  • Father José Francisco de Paula Señan (1820–1823)
  • Father Vicente Francisco de Sarría (1823–1824)
  • Father Narciso Durán (1824–1827)
  • Father José Bernardo Sánchez (1827–1831)
  • Father Narciso Durán (1831–1838)
  • Father José Joaquin Jimeno (1838–1844)
  • Father Narciso Durán (1844–1846)

The "Father-Presidente" was the head of the Catholic missions in Alta and Baja California. He was appointed by the College of San Fernando de Mexico until 1812, when the position became known as the "Commissary Prefect" who was appointed by the Commissary General of the Indies (a Franciscan residing in Spain). Beginning in 1831, separate individuals were elected to oversee Upper and Lower California.

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