Each was supposed to have its own church or chapel, and the original intention was that each should likewise have its own resident priest.

For purposes of economy, however, this was not done, and the Mission padres were called upon for this service, though it was often a source of disagreement between the military and the missionaries.

While the Monterey church that occupied the site of the present structure may, in the first instance, have been used by Serra for the Mission, it was later used as the church for the soldiers, and thus became the presidio chapel.

I have been unable to learn when it was built but about fifty years ago Governor Pacheco donated the funds for its enlargement.

The original building was extended back a number of feet, and an addition made, which makes the church of cruciform shape, the original building being the long arm of the cross.