San Lorenzo Mission was founded in October 1680 as result of the Pueblo Indian Revolt. It was established first as a Spanish settlement with a contingent of soldiers and civil officials. Gradually, the local Manso and Suma Indians became part of the community as well as Tlaxcalan Indian refugees from New Mexico. Then later, the old enemies of the Aztecs, were introduced by Don Juan de Oñate (1598) from central Mexico to help colonize the new province of Nuevo Mexico. In the 17th century, Spanish settlers soon became the dominant population of San Lorenzo. Descendants of the the Manso and Suma Indians still reside in the neighborhood.

The original mission was located a short distance from the present site in the vicinity of the hippodrome. The mission was dedicated to Saint Lawrence on whose saint day (August 10th) the Pueblo Rebellion commenced. The church displays on the main altar the image of San Lorenzo, the Christian martyr, who holds the grill upon which he was martyred (burned-to-death).

The modern church, located a few miles southwest of downtown Cd. Juárez, was built around 1900 and is a beautiful edifice located in front of a tree-shaded plaza. San Lorenzo Church is situated approximately two miles southwest of downtown Cd. Juarez. The main feast day is August 10 which begins with a morning mass followed by matachin dancing and festivities.