The Santa Barbara Mission celebrated the completion of the new ADA-compliant ramp Sunday evening with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
For years, the Mission has been difficult to access for those with mobility challenges. While it was accessible before, the route covered much more distance and was a hassle compared to the new ramp.
“Today we celebrate the strength of unity and hospitality,” said Father Dan Lackie during the service prior to the ribbon cutting. A crowd of donors, representatives of various organizations, several elected officials, and community members filled the pews of the Mission church. The Old Mission met their fundraising goal of $1.1 million through community funded support to complete the project.
The ADA ramp marks the first notable appearance change to the Mission since it was constructed. While there have been repairs and reconstruction done prior, they were done to return the Mission to its original form.
Father Joe Schwab said that the addition of a ramp was first talked about in the 1980s but was tabled until a few years ago when the idea was “resurrected.”
Construction on the ramp began in Fall of 2025.
The ramp sits to the right of the Mission church and blends seamlessly into the Mission as the walls of the ramp use stone from the same quarry as the original building.
The blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the front steps of the Mission, overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean. The Mission is one of the major historical landmarks of Santa Barbara and a popular tourist attraction while also being an active church with service every Sunday.
“Let us ask the divine blessing on this building and this construction, erected for care of the sick,” said Father Schwab during the blessing of the ADA ramp.
