San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mission Bells

Photographed by Adam Margolis, August 13, 2020

1. Mission Bells Marker

Inscription. In the Tradition of the bells first brought to the Mission Basilica and the Valley of San Juan Capistrano in 1775; these eight bells were cast in 1984 (across the Sea) at the Petit and Fristen Foundry in Holland.

Donated by
ARTHUR AND GAYE BIRTCHER
With the greatest love for
THE MOST REVEREND WILLIAM R. JOHNSON
FIRST BISHOP OF ORANGE
AND
MONSIGNOR PAUL M. MARTIN
34TH PASTOR OF THE MISSION BASILICA,
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
AND
All those that have and will Join
Blessed Junipero Serra's Faith Journey
On behalf of
Mr. and Mrs. FAYETTE E. BIRTCHER
Mr. and Mrs. RONALD E. BIRTCHER
Mr. and Mrs. BRANDON E. BIRTCHER
Mr. And Mrs. BARON R. BIRTCHER
Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAM B. MCCROSKEY
BLESSING OF THE BELLS, MARCH 24TH, 1985

Erected 1985 by Blessing of the Bells.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 24, 1985.

Location. 33° 30.267′ N, 117° 39.83′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It is on

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Acjachema St., on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Juan Capistrano CA 92675, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: New Mission Church (here, next to this marker); San Juan Capistrano Regional Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mission Yard & Reservoir Site (about 400 feet away); The Villa (about 700 feet away); Historic Mission Cemetery (about 800 feet away); Capistrano Union High School (about 800 feet away); Kiicha (about 800 feet away); Fr. Serra’s Church (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Juan Capistrano.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 26, 2012

2. Mission Bells Marker

The marker is on the wall to the right of the entrance.

Mission Basilica image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 30, 2015

3. Mission Basilica

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2026

4. Mission Basilica

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 566 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on March 31, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.