First Mass

The First Mass is a depiction of the mass conducted by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales on September 8, 1565. This first mass in what would become the United States was conducted when Spanish Admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles came ashore to establish the City of St. Augustine. Menendez named the site the Mission of Nombre de Dios and placed Father Lopez in charge making him the first parish priest in the nation. The Rustic Altar on the mission grounds commemorates the first mass and a statue honors Father Lopez. The mission is open to the public.