The first vibration, lasting four minutes, damaged the walls of the church.

The second shock, a half-hour later, caused the total collapse of nearly all the buildings.

Padre Payeras reported that "the earth opened in several places, emitting water and black sand." This calamity was quickly followed by torrents of rain, and the ensuing floods added to the distress of the homeless inhabitants.

The remains of this old Mission of 1802 are still to be seen near Lompoc, and on the hillside above is a deep scar made by the earthquake, this doubtless being the crack described by Padre Payeras.

But nothing could daunt the courage or quench the zeal of the missionaries.