California Mission San Rafael Archangel - San Rafael, CA

Paper Models Online - Your Best Way To Get An "A"! 

Welcome to Paper Models Online, where we offer the best solution for those last-minute school projects that need to be completed in no time!

Whether you're looking to score extra credit, want to spend quality time with your kids, or simply need to get some time away from them, our paper models are perfect for you!

Instant PDF Download OR Pre-Printed & Shipped

You can choose from our instant PDF download option, starting at just $9.95 for the 7"x10" size or $11.95 for the 10"x13" size, which can be printed on any standard home or office printer using regular paper. But if you prefer, we can also pre-print and ship the models to you with our high-quality color printers on thick card stock paper. 

Shipping

Mailed United States Postal Service, First-Class Parcel, 1-3 day shipping same day shipping for a flat $5 fee, directly to your doorstep.

Once Your Have Your Kit

With only a pair of scissors, some glue, and about an hour of your time, you can transform these paper sheets into a true three-dimensional architectural replica or complete science project that will amaze your teacher and classmates. All of the images on our website are of actual models made from these kits, and we even include a history of your project to help you write that report!

No Mission Kits Allowed?

But that's not all - if you're feeling creative, these models can also be used as templates to create your own custom model. You can paint it, trace it, adjust the size, and use any materials you wish. The possibilities are endless, and only your imagination limits them!

The Buying Process

Typical Kit Sample

Each kit comes with 8 to 18 pages that, when cut and assembled, complete the model in the image. Each kit also includes an "exploded view" that shows how the pieces go together, and a history to help you or your child complete the project in a single evening.

Exploded View	Sample Pieces	Finished Model

And best of all, we offer free history for your report, so you can impress your teacher with your research skills as well as your creativity. So don't wait any longer - choose Paper Models Online for your next school project!

Your Best Way To Get An "A"!

Free History For Your Report

Mission San Rafael Arcangel

(Saint Raphael, the Angel of joy, good health, travelers and happy meetings)

The Mission San Rafael Arcangel is the 20th mission founded in California. It was founded on December 14th, 1817 by Friar Vicente de Sarria as a hospital asistencia for Mission Dolores, but was advanced to full mission status in 1823. Named for the archangel, Saint Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the throne of God.

In response to the severe mortality rate of the native population at Mission Dolores, Mission San Rafael was founded as a place for the ailing neophytes to regain their health. Governor Sola suggested transferring part of the native population to a sunnier location. Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga of the San Francisco Presidio had recommended the location for its sunny slop and shelter from winds and fog by the rolling hills. Located across the bay from Mission Dolores, the first group showed surprising improvement in health. Father Sarria hesitated to found a outpost there due to communication problems and lack of available priests. But Father Gil y Taboada offered to serve. He was considered to know more of the medical science than the other padres. On the day of founding, 26 children were baptized and some two hundred natives presented themselves for instructions. The place was not supposed to be a mission though, merely a sanitarium dedicated to healing the natives.

Father Gil erected a simple adobe building. With no attempt at beauty, it was simply 87 feel long and 42 feet wide. Divided into storehouses, hospital and the monastery. The church was built with no tower at one end of the building. The usual quadrangle found at other missions was never formed here. Within two years, the natives recovered their health so well, that other missions started sending their ailing charges. Father Juan Amoros from Carmel replaced Father Gil after a couple years. Under his leadership, the population rose to over one thousand natives. As a result of Father Amoros achievements, the location was made a mission.

In addition to being a mission, San Rafael served as a buffer against the Russians who had moved down the coast. Following the death of Father Amoros, thirteen years later, Father Jose Maria Mercado took over for the last two years for the missions 17 year existence. Father Mercado had a talent for making trouble combined with his explosive personality. He even armed the neophytes and sent them against visiting natives because he believe they were coming to attack. This band killed and wounded many of the visitors. As a result he was suspended for six months for his rash behavior, but it was deemed he had acted in good faith. Soon he clashed with General Mariano Vallejo, the commandante of the San Francisco presidio. With secularization, San Rafael became the first mission to be secularized. General Vallego owned great estates in the North Bay area, became the first administrator. All of the mission livestock was moved to his ranches along with everything else he could take. Even the vines and pear trees were dug up and replanted on his property. He gathered the natives to work on his own ranches and letting them work for their room and board.

In 1846, Captain Fremont and his men quartered in the deserted mission. Eventually the remains of the buildings were removed and replaced with a parish church and for many years, nothing remained of the original mission. Finally a replica of the old church building was constructed.

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