View of the bell tower of Mission Asistencia of San Antonio at Pala at dusk (or dawn?), ca.1883

The Mission at Pala was built as an "assistencia" to the larger Mission at San Luis Ray - (west of Pala on Highway 76). After Mexico received independence from Spain in 1834, the California Missions continued to be administered by the founders, the Franciscan Friars. Because the Mission lands were among the most valuable in California, they were secularized and confiscated by the Mexican Government in 1835.

Many Mexican landowners acquired the Mission lands for themselves. The Indian population refused to be exploited and the Mission 'ranchos' generally fell into decay." -- unknown author.