About
Docents with a Mission…
Prelado de Los Tesoros de La Purísima (Prelado) has been a proud, non-profit 501(c)(3) partner with California State Parks since 1973. Prelado was one of the first Cooperating Associations to be established in the State. The name of the organization roughly translates to “Keepers of the Treasures." Funds raised through membership, fundraising events and gift store sales help to pay for docent training, materials for school programs, feed and care for the animals as well as preservation projects and building restoration.
Thousands of school children throughout California and visitors from around the world come to La Purísima Mission State Historic Park every year. Prelado works to ensure these programs continue to be funded and accessible for future generations to experience. Over the years, Prelado has played a fundamental role in funding numerous on-going projects at the state park.
Funding a Mission
The La Purisima Mission (LPM) Visitor Center, which opened in 2009, portrays the mission story from a multicultural perspective. This important exhibit hall was made possible by Prelado’s efforts in raising over $300,000 in donations, grants, and sales from La Tienda (Gift Store).
In addition, a topographical map was installed thanks to the fundraising efforts of Prelado, the Leadership of Lompoc Valley (LLV) Class of 2007, Lompoc businesses and residents, with $15,000 in matching funds from the Santa Barbara Foundation. The LLV secured $4,000 for the map project as their annual fundraiser. Prelado volunteers raised an additional $9,000. The total cost for remaining Visitor Center Exhibits were $62,000–which was raised over the following months in time for the opening to the public in 2009.
Save the Mission
In early 2008, La Purisima Mission Historic State Park was one of several State Parks at risk of closure as part of the governor's proposed budget cuts. Ranger Teresa Armas was quoted saying, “closing La Purisima, even temporarily, could cause considerable problems in addition to the lack of public access. There would be a lack of security for cultural treasures, a lack of rangers for emergencies such as rattlesnake bites, and the closing of restrooms for hikers and others who continued to visit the site”. In addition, Armas stated, “the park includes nearly 2,000 acres that have been protected from the encroachment of development and some 25 miles of trails. It is a critical and popular destination for the Central Coast and beyond” (Lompoc Record, 2008).
In an effort to preserve the site for future generations, Prelado organized letter writing campaigns to local officials and newspapers, lobbied for new legislation, and organized “Walk a Mile for the Mission” in March of 2009 to try to save Mission La Purisima from closure. Ultimately, the park remained open due to the work of local residents and Prelado members.
Since Prelado’s founding, members have organized several annual fundraisers that have become community favorites.
Fundraising Events
La Purisima Mission closes the gates to its parking lot at 5pm. Many visitors have never visited the grounds at night; however, fundraising events hosted by Prelado offer a unique opportunity to experience the historic grounds by candlelight. Past fundraisers include a fall event called “Mission in the Moonlight.” Park interpretive staff and volunteers partnered with Prelado to open mission rooms and stage scenes illuminated by candles, with refreshments provided by Prelado.
“It’s just the experience of being there with the candlelight, the food and entertainment, and seeing the moon come up over the cross,” said Ginny McKee, former chairwoman of Prelado.
In 2010, this event served as a $5,000 campaign to improve the animal barn and drainage in the corral. The State stewards the care of the animals which have been purchased by Prelado. The animals remain a favorite amongst park visitors which made this event a heartfelt endeavor.
Other community favorites include the Winter Concert, held each year in proximity to the anniversary of the founding of La Purisima Mission on December 8, 1787. The concert features community choirs such as the Cabrillo High School Madrigal singers, followed by refreshments in the Mission residence building. Ticket holders love the enchantment of walking the historic grounds on paths lighted by candle lanterns. Funds raised by this event, combined with sales from the Tienda gift shop go towards the feed and ongoing care of the animals at La Purisima Mission. Honorable mention goes to the local scouting troops for help with set up and clean up of the church.
Prelado plans to continue serving the Lompoc Community and preserving the most restored mission in California, in partnership with California State Parks, for future generations. In 2014, the organization received honorable mention at the CALPA conference for being the only cooperating association that did not have employees–Prelado is completely operated by passionate volunteers. Again, in 2024, Prelado de Los Tesoros was recognized for their efforts by the California Missions Foundation and became a recipient of the prestigious Chairman’s Award.
Share Your Passion: Become a Member
If you would like to join us and become a supporting member of Prelado please contact us.
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https://vimeo.com/22727634?fl=pl&fe=vl
https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna32605870
https://californiamissionsfoundation.org/awards/chairmans_award/
