Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was founded on June 13, 1798, by Father Fermin Lasuen, Father-President of the Mission Chain after Father Junipero Serra's death. It was the 18th mission in the 21 mission chain in Alta California. It was named for Saint Luis IX, King of France in the 1200's. It was known as "King of the Missions". The Spanish plan was to colonize this area with native inhabitants by drawing on their willingness to help, along with their considerable skills and creative talents. All this was done with the intent of ultimately turning over the missions to these indigenous people.

From time to time since the late 1800s, groups and individuals who recognized the historical, sociological, and artistic importance of these settlements spearheaded efforts to restore and reconstruct them. Contrary to what many people think, 19 of the 21 California missions are not funded by any governmental agency. Most rely solely on charitable donations to keep their wooden doors open.

The mission buildings were occupied between 1846 and 1865 by various U.S. military troops, including the Battalion of Mormon Volunteers. In 1850, California became the 34th state of the union and the remaining mission lands were incorporated into the United States.

No services were held at the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia for 46 years. It wasn't until 1892 when two Mexican padres were given permission to restore the mission as a monastery. Father Joseph O'Keefe was assigned to the mission as an interpreter for the monks. It was he who began to restore the old mission in 1895. The quadrangle and church were completed in 1905.

The Mission Museum is in the section restored and reconstructed over 100 years ago by the Franciscan Friars from Zacatecas. The arched portico is 200 years old. The Church, which is part of the Museum, has been standing since 1813.

Today Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is a working mission. It is cared for by the people who belong to the parish. It is still being restored today. There is a museum and visitors center at the mission. Immediate and Long-Term Funding Needs:

• Seismic retrofit of mission church and museum urgently needed,

• Upgrade water and fire prevention systems,

• Conservation of mission paintings and artifacts,

• Repair water damage to mortuary chapel,

• Upgrade archive and collection storage.

The Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery is the oldest community burial ground in North San Diego County, dating back to 1798. The cemetery has undergone recent expansion and may be utilized by members of all faiths and parishes.

Today’s Mission is used by business, charitable, religious and community organizations for meetings, spiritual retreats and conferences. City, County and State officials use it on a regular basis for meeting with their constituents and other social events. The center accommodates up to 100 overnight guests.

The Chamber of Commerce, the Navy and Marine personnel from Camp Pendleton, The Luiseno Band of Mission Indians, all make use of the Mission buildings and grounds for their cultural events. North County Earth Day is celebrated annually as Pepper Tree Day in the courtyard around the Missions pepper tree – the oldest pepper tree in California. The annual Heritage Ball is a gala event with an elegantly catered dinner and dancing. The Heritage Ball is held late in the summer.