Nearly 1,000 Southern California Students Meet Father Junipero Serra; Learn First-hand About California Missions

A Visit With Father Serra", part of Forest Lawns History Comes Alive" program provides an entertaining and educational experience for school children, teachers, and community visitors.

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 13, 2003 -- Imagine yourself as part of Governor Portolas army in July 1769. Barely two weeks after surviving an arduous journey you set off northward in the search for Vizcaino's Bay of Monterey. On July 16, 1769, you help a missionary traveling with the army to build a crude brushwood shelter and establish Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first of the famous California missions.

   This month, in the Memorial Chapel at Forest Lawn-Long Beach, nearly 1,000 Southern California youth will have the unique opportunity to hear from Father Serra first-hand about his trials, challenges, discoveries, and accomplishments as he traveled northward and established an additional eight missions throughout Alta" California including San Antonio, San Gabriel, San Luis Obisbo, San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Clara, San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, and San Buenaventura.

   The brilliant, stained glass windows depicting Father Serra and many of the missions he established in Forest Lawns Memorial Chapel provide the ideal setting to trace the history of the Spanish colonization of the state. Portrayed by respected actor Bruce Buonaura, Father Serra will lead participants on a visual tour to bring history alive in an entertaining and educational narrative. Buonaura has enacted the role of Father Serra for over eight years at missions, theme parks and other community gathering places throughout California.

   Forest Lawn takes pride in being a part of the Southern California and in being able to bring events like this and our Forest Lawn Presents to our neighbors in an idyllic, peaceful setting," said Alison Bruesehoff, museum executive director of Forest Lawn. Our living-history programs are designed to provide interactive and educational opportunities that can be used and expanded on in the school and at home."
   All attendees will receive a collection of information and gift items from Forest Lawn that are designed to extend their learning experience about the California Missions. In addition, educators will be provided with age-specific curriculum materials that can enhance the field trip experience and apply the information to various educational disciplines in the classroom. Schools from Burbank to Riverside to Temecula will bring youths ranging in age from pre-kindergarten though high school to this special event. (EDITORS NOTE: A complete list of schools is included at the end of the release).

   The two-day event titled A Visit with Father Serra" is part of Forest Lawns History Comes Alive program, a series of events designed to provide Southern California residents with an opportunity to experience key events and meet historically influential persons as if they were there. Other events in the History Comes Alive series include A Visit with Great Presidents, A Visit with Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, "Life of Christ" Mosaic Program, A Visit with Montezuma, and A Visit with Great American Inventors. In addition, Forest Lawn Presents features a variety of Community Events including Dr. Martin L. King Jr., Birthday Celebration, Easter Sunrise Services, Memorial Day Programs, Pumpkin Decorating Contests, and a Veterans Day Ceremony.

   The Visit with Father Serra program is open to the public at no charge, however reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. The Memorial Chapel celebrating Californias heritage in stained glass can be visited seven days a week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Forest Lawn-Long Beach is located at 1500 E. San Antonia Ave., Long Beach, 90807. For more information and/or reservations, call 800.204.3131, ext. 4738 or visit www.forestlawn.com/visitors_guide/memorial_parks/longbeach.

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Schools Expected to Participate In A Visit With Father Serra
Community   School      
Amazing Grace Homeschool   Temecula
Arnold Elementary   Torrance
Burcham Elementary   Long Beach
CCISP       Huntington Beach
Coram Dao Academy   Midway City
Dagny Collier   Long Beach
George Washington Carver Elementary   Long Beach
King of Kings   Garden Grove
Light & Life Christian School   Long Beach
Los Altos Brethren School   Long Beach
Madison School   Lakewood
Oakwood Academy   Long Beach
Spirit Preparatory Academy   Tustin
The Westerley School of Long Beach   Long Beach
Tincher Preparatory School   Long Beach
Vineyard Christian School ISP   Yorba Linda
Whittier Elementary School   Long Beac