A Spanish mission in San Gabriel, California that houses artifacts and religious icons going back to the late 18th was extensively damaged by fire early Saturday morning, NBC News reports.
The roof of the San Gabriel Arcangel Mission was completely collapsed and the interior was significantly damaged in the blaze. The altar, which was built in Mexico before being shipped to California in 1790s was largely spared from damage; the tomb of eight Franciscan priests lays in front of the altar.
The founder of the church, Father Junípero Serra, a Roman Catholic saint who was born in Spain, has recently been the focus of anti-colonial sentiments for capturing and enslaving native peoples.
“Whereas … the historical truth is that St. Serra repeatedly pressed the Spanish authorities for better treatment of the Native American community,” the mission said in a statement, “we recognize and understand that for some he has become a symbol of the dehumanization of the Native American community.”