Mystery Worshipper: Brandi Anderson
Church:
Old Mission, Santa Barbara
Location: California, USA
Date of visit: Sunday, 8 February 2026, 9:00am
The building
This historic mission on Laguna Street is breathtaking: a coral colored façade with white paint, lush green landscaping all around, made of stone from the early 1800s, and perched on the top of a hill in posh Santa Barbara, California. Two towers stand tall with bells dedicated to the saints, ringing to remind people for miles that it’s time to gather. Walking up the stairs to the two arched doors, it looks like a piece of heaven on earth. Ancient fresco style murals of saints and angels adorn the walls. Looking ahead, I see the statue of Jesus. He is here.
The church
The church’s rich history, its location, and the enduring faith of people who have committed to keeping it standing are inspiring. The mission has belonged to Spain, Mexico, and the United States. Named after St Barbara, the patron saint of architects, the church and community strive to live the teachings of ancestors, saints, and Franciscans.
The neighborhood
Views of the Pacific Ocean and gardens abound. A large wooden cross stands in the center of the lush green lawn. An old VW van serves coffee before service with white metal chairs looking out into a field of nowhere. Beyond the church are million dollar homes and views – a place for the rich, famous, and possibly Catholic.
The cast
The pastor led the service, welcomed all, and preached. An organist played songs. A choir sang in a loft behind us. Three young people helped with the service. A woman read from the Bible, and an usher welcomed us in.
What was the name of the service?
Sunday Mass.How full was the building?
Packed!
Did anyone welcome you personally?
An usher welcomed me in with a gentle nod. Nobody else welcomed, looked, or seemed to care that we were there. They must have been busy thinking about their own worship.
Was your pew comfortable?
It was an old wooden pew: solid wood with zero cushion. The kneeler in front of me was padded with a fake tan leather cover. The space was rather narrow between pews, kneelers and floor. Thankfully, our time was spent with a mix of standing, kneeling, sitting and singing.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Quiet and reverential for sure, with a feeling of anticipation, excitement, wariness, and yearning all wrapped into a large bow of desire. Watching as mostly old people arrived and walked to their favorite pews, it occurred to me that this space provides a practice each week in communion, fellowship, and teaching that is real.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
‘Good morning. On behalf of our parish, I want to welcome all who are visiting.’
What books did the congregation use during the service?
No books. There was a printed bulletin with the songs and some advertisements and announcements.
What musical instruments were played?
Organ was it. Although the choir singing behind me in the loft sounded like an orchestra.
Did anything distract you?
I am not Catholic, so everything was a bit distracting because I did not know what was coming or what people were doing. Murals of angels and saints adorned the space, taking my focus away from any words or wisdom being shared. A family of five with three little ones were very busy, throwing markers and pens, wanting food, and wiggling non-stop. They arrived late and left as soon as possible, and I found myself watching them with curiosity and smiles. At one point I was a bit annoyed by the crying of the toddler – think high pitched wailing. And at that moment the pastor said: ‘And Jesus had compassion for the children.’ It was as if he was talking to me in that moment.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Stiff and formal. Robes, candles, quietness, serious faces, solemn. It was as if we were transported back to the 1800s and having a service at that time, but it's actually 2026. Many of the regulars appeared to be in their 70s or possibly 80s, and they definitely set the tone for the worship. Even the choir singing in Latin was a reminder of ancient people and languages, and that we are just visitors passing through.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
32 minutes. This is approximate, as there were some readings, announcements, and other things happening during the sermon time.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
7 — The pastor was historical and biblical, delivering his sermon like a holy history professor, with his white robe, tassels, ribbons, and aging face. I watched on as he taught us about four significant events in this nation’s history, and of believers being salt and light in the world.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
The sermon covered four historical events in our nation’s history: 1855 Election Day in Louisville KY, with deadly violence against Catholics; 1921 Memorial Day in the Tulsa Riot; the 1930 depression and the deportation of 1-2 million Mexican people who were US citizens; and the 1942 Roosevelt Japanese Revolution. After each story, the pastor asked, ‘Were they our own?’, reminding everyone that we are united, a family, and we must give shelter to the oppressed, share bread with the hungry, and not turn our backs on those in need. These stories were backed by Isaiah chapter 58.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
The space and interior building is a glimpse of something holy and sacred on earth. The frescoes, golden walls, intricate lights, and the people made this feel like heaven. I felt an overwhelming sense of a dear Catholic friend who recently passed on. She loved to visit the California Missions.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
During communion I walked up and held out my hand for the bread, a round, plain cracker that tastes similar to an edible styrofoam packing peanut. I walked to the next person holding the large cup of red wine. She stared down at me and said, ‘You must eat the bread.’ I quickly tossed the cracker in my mouth, with one swallow, while a line of good Catholics stared on behind me. I then held out my hand for the cup of wine. I almost opened my mouth to show her I had swallowed it, but then thought better of it. She allowed me the cup to drink, seeing that I had finished the bread. I felt a bit embarrassed, ashamed, and clueless.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
They wanted us to practice an emergency exit drill at the end. This was a tad chaotic because people were walking out, and wondering where to go and why this was needed. We were instructed to follow ushers to the center of the lawn in front of the church, but no one really followed these directions.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
There was nothing to drink or eat. But the VW coffee shop in the parking lot was still open for business, with salted chocolate chip cookies and lattes galore for those with the money.
How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
10 — Attending this church and being in this space made me realize that there is something about the Franciscans and the Catholics that I adore. There was no sense of ‘Look at me, I am the best,’ but rather this was a very humble offering of worship, celebration and teaching that had nothing to do with the actual people leading the service and worship. I loved this. I cannot help but feel the ancestors, countries, and people who have occupied this space for centuries would be proud of its legacy. They were the light of the world; we are the light of the world; we take care of our people. All of us are God’s children.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
Yes. It also made me think hard about becoming Catholic.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?
I will remember the message of the sermon, to be the light of the world. To seek light and take care of our own. Share, be generous, and love each other.