In 1771 Padre Junipero Serra entered the Valley of the Oaks, to found Mission San Antonio de Padua. In the secluded sierra district, Padres Serra, Pieras and Sitjar journeyed to establish the third mission in California. The date was July 14, 1771. Near the river San Antonio, on the branches of an oak tree, the bells were hung for the first time.

In 1773 the site of the Mission was changed from the original location to a place farther up Los Robles Valley. The end of 1773 established workshops, a small church and dwellings established at the new site. The construction was of adobe brick. Some houses of tules and wood were set up to accommodate the soldier and converts who now numbered about 163.

In 1810 the final church structure was started. Construction progressed rapidly. The large timbers used for the ceiling were floated down from the mountains on the waters of the San Antonio River. The church was finally blessed in the year 1813. It is the same church building that stands reconstructed today.

In 1834 the beginning of the period of secularization. San Antonio becomes government property. Governor Figueroa on November 4, 1834 issued the final proclamation that took Mission San Antonio from the mission padres and placed the entire establishment under civil jurisdiction. At this time it began to fall into a state of neglect.

In 1863 the U.S. Land Commission formally returns Mission Lands to the Church on May 31. Abraham Lincoln signed the decree for this return.

1883 the Mission was abandoned. Tiles are taken from the roof. Exposed to the weather, the walls crumble. Only walls of the church itself still stand, along with the brick facade and rows of brick arches along the front corridor.

1903-1908 Public-spirited citizens began a limited restoration of the mission. An earthquake destroyed much of what they had done, but the project was begun over again.

1928 Eventually, 84 years after the last original missionary padre left, the Franciscans come back to their beloved San Antonio.

1948-49 Franciscans rebuild the Mission as a training school for brothers of the order. Work continues through the 1950's. On July 14, 1971 the 200th anniversary of the "Bi-Centennial" of Mission San Antonio's founding was celebrated. Today the Mission no longer uses the building as a training school. They host groups and private retreats, maintain a gift shop and hold an annual Fiesta fundraiser every year to raise the money necessary for the upkeep of the Mission building and grounds.

The San Antonio Mission is an active Catholic parish with the parishioners working together to help the Friars. A beautiful museum is located in the front section of the quadrangle of the main building. A tour through the museum is self-explanatory. While visiting pictures and videos are allowed. The grounds outside are an exciting example of life in the missions days, with signs to read at places of interest. There are picnic grounds with tables under the shade trees to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of our secluded area.