The earliest Spanish families to arrive in San Antonio came here in 1731 from the Canary Islands soon after the founding of the missions, and it was they who began construction of a church on this spot, laying the cornerstone in 1738. Most of their homes were situated close by this area, and the church, which is America's oldest continuous parish, was to become the center of their religious life. The mission chapels were all being used to educate and Christianize the Indian population of the area, and the missionary priests were far too occupied with their own endeavors to minister to the new Catholic settlers from the Spanish islands.

These early settlers had little money and few skilled laborers, so the construction of their church went slowly. The building was not ready to receive worshipers until 1749. The first communion class was finally confirmed by the Bishop of Guadalajara in 1758.

The name, San Fernando, honors Saint Ferdinand, or Ferdinand III, King of Castile, who died in 1252 and was finally canonized in 1671. An old and colorful statue of the saint may be seen inside the cathedral.

Down through the years there have been many remodeling and renovation projects. The original church was much smaller. It started out with just one tower, located on the north side, which was used both as a bell tower to summon worshipers and as a lookout in times of emergency. The second tower was not added until 1890, and it completely changed the appearance of the facade.

The dome section where the altar is located contains some of the original walls, but the building has been added onto and enlarged extensively. In 1868, a French architect and engineer, Francois Giraud, was responsible for numerous alterations. He was influenced by the plan of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and he developed the French Gothic Revival style within the building where the soaring ceilings are much like those found in European Gothic churches. This work, which also added walls outside the older ones, was finished in 1873.

From the beginning, the church has been considered the geographical center of the city. There is a white marble circle on the floor beneath the dome, behind the main altar, which still marks all distances in and out of San Antonio.

The stained glass windows are exquisite. They can only be seen from within the cathedral, because they are covered on the outside as protection from the elements. These windows were added during one of the numerous renovations.

Many historic events have taken place in and around San Fernando Cathedral. It was here on April 25, 1831 that the famous James Bowie married Ursula de Veramendi. In 1836, the troops of Mexican Gen. Lopez Antonio de Santa Anna camped outside on the grounds of the Cathedral and raised their flag atop its bell tower. In 1987, Pope John Paul said a mass here during his historic visit to San Antonio. Every March 9, there is a solemn requiem to honor the memory of the Canary Island founders. Every Good Friday, a beautiful and moving re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ is staged in front of the cathedral. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in this, America's oldest cathedral, is a magnificent service.

Within the cathedral, to the left of the main entrance, there is a white marble crypt where the ashes of the Alamo heroes are said to be at final rest. The internment took place many years after the 1836 battle, and there are some historians who argue that it seems unlikely that non-Catholics, as many of the Alamo defenders were, would have been laid to rest in a Catholic Church.

The beauty, classic simplicity and ongoing traditions of San Fernando depict much of what San Antonio is all about Š a city founded on faith.

Masses are said daily at the cathedral, and visitors are always welcome. The address is 115 Main Plaza, between East Commerce and Dolorosa, just between the River Walk and Market Square areas.

You may dial 227-1297 for a recorded schedule of masses.