Posted on Jun 6, 2004

On Sunday, May 30th, 2004, some of the best vocal ensembles in San Luis Obispo County came together for a benefit concert for Mission San Miguel, called “One in the Spirit”.---in an extraordinary Free Will event, with vocalists and musicians from all parts of the county , playing and singing some of the best loved Christian and inspirational songs. ---It was a resounding success. The attending local choirs were from Mission San Miguel, Trinity and Templeton Bethel Lutheran Churches, United Methodist Church of Atascadero, Second Baptist Church of Paso Robles, Plymouth Congregational Church and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. They were joined by the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble directed by Gary Lamprecht, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Adult and Youth Choirs directed by Maria Gerber, as well as the New World Baroque Orchestra led by John Warren John Warren, music coordinator for the event and Director of the New World Baroque Orchestra said, “We were all excited and delighted to offer our talents to this important cause. We have a big challenge ahead of us, we’re not just repairing earthquake damage, but preserving a part of California’s heritage and culture for future generations. The old Mission Church is one of California’s oldest and most important landmarks.” Warren’s New World Baroque Orchestra, along with Maria Gerber’s Mission San Luis Obispo Choirs, donated a check for $1000 for the preservation effort. Including the donated check ---and thanks to the generosity of the audience--- $9225.00 was raised! Though it may seem like an insurmountable task to raise the needed 16.5 million dollars to repair and preserve Mission San Miguel, a jubilant Fr. Ray Tintle, pastor of Mission San Miguel, expressed a renewed hope, energy and determination that the Mission doors really will open again to the public in a foreseeable future. “ Wow! –What a night of love and support!!”, exclaimed Fr. Ray. Mission San Miguel has set up a fund for the preservation of the old historic church. For more information on the preservation effort and how you can get involved, visit the Mission’s web site: www.missionsanmiguel.org or call (805) 467-2131.