THE MISSIONS FOUNDED BY PADRE FERMIN FRANCISCO LASUEN AT Padre Serra's death Fermin Francisco Lasuen was chosen to be his successor as padre-presidente.

At the time of his appointment he was the priest in charge at San Diego.

He was elected by the directorate of the Franciscan College of San Fernando, in the City of Mexico, February 6, 1785, and on March 13, 1787, the Sacred Congregation at Rome confirmed his appointment, according to him the same right of confirmation which Serra had exercised.

In five years this Father confirmed no less than ten thousand, one hundred thirty-nine persons.
Santa Barbara was the next Mission to be founded.

For awhile it seemed that it would be located at Montecito, now the beautiful and picturesque suburb of its larger sister; but President Lasuen doubtless chose the site the Mission now occupies.