In case you haven't guessed it already, I was blessed to have visited San Rafael Mission • 1716 South Highway 10 • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 603 • Huntington, Utah 84528 • Phone: (435) 687 - 2999 • Fax: (435) 384 - 3215 • Website: http://www.parishesonline.com/scripts/hostedsites/Org.asp?ID=22022. First and foremost I must mention that the church is not directly on Highway 10. Just south of town and there is a little road off on the left side "Mission Lane/1720 S." and it's located on that road, just in front of you as you turn left onto Mission Lane. There is
The first thing I came across was a beautiful painted brick with multiple arches, bells and a cross on the top. In the center of area I saw two statues praying and it reminded me of a meditation area outside, for those who want to enjoy the fall leaves and peaceful surroundings. While outside I met some warm and friendly parishioners who showed me inside. I entered through the door by the parking lot. That door lead me directly into the Reception Hall, where you'll find many tables, a kitchen, bathrooms, extra pews for overflow and fussy babies and an information area. The Reception hall is where parishioners go after mass to enjoy pastries and beverages after mass. It functions more of a Social Hall or Gathering Space.
There are large glass panels and doors that divides the Reception Hall from the Mission. After entering into the mission I noticed the expansive celling with ample lighting. There are two rows of pews and one main aisle with two smaller on each of the sides. Directly in back of the mission and in the back is a Baptismal Font with a large rosary above and pictured below. The altar is on the opposite wall as the font. The altar table is adorned with a green cloth with a lace overlay. Because it is Ordinary Time, green can be found throughout the altar area along with decorative Fall colors that match the outside trees.
The pulpit is to the right of the altar and there is an adoration area for Our Lady of Guadalupe. To the left of the altar is the Tabernacle and a secondary adoration area. Stations of the Cross line the walls along with six arched windows, with three on each side. Three of those windows have beautiful stained glass panels hanging in front of them, allowing the light to shine through them. The pews are intricately carved and seem to be of solid oak. There are large long beams that line the ceiling and add to the ambiance.
You will find the parishioners of San Rafael Mission to be very warm, friendly and welcoming into their church family. This was a perfect stop to end my afternoon before heading home. Thank you to all the beautiful parishioners who extended a smile, handshake and welcome. May always be in God's graces and may your hospitality be welcoming for others as well.
(Feel free to click on the photos below to view them enlarged - some have white on the sides due to the website problems)