Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was founded September 8, 1771. It is the fourth of twenty one missions of Alta California. Its patron saint is Gabriel, Holy Prince of Archangles.

It was located on fertile lands that helped make it one of the wealthiest and most productive missions. Crops included wheat, corn, beans and the largest winery in California. Its economic success was a catalyst for the development of the pueblo that ultimately grew into modern Los Angeles.

The architecture of Mission San Gabriel is unique, with narrow windows and Moorish-style exterior columns inspired by a cathedral and former mosque in Córdoba, Spain. The construction was completed in 1805. Much of the church was damaged in the earthquake of 1812, including the collapse of the original bell wall. The present six-bell espadańa was added during restoration work in 1827. The oldest bells were cast in Mexico City and date to 1795 The largest bell weighs around one ton and dates from 1830.

Its congregation never abandoned the mission in spite of secularization by the Mexican government in 1834. The pulpit, main altar and its screens and statues are all original. The copper baptismal font from 1771 is still being used today. The mission is an active parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and continues its almost 250 year legacy of caring for souls of the San Gabriel Valley.