Stockton in San Joaquin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church

1861

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 21, 2023

1. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. California’s first Archbishop, Joseph S. Alemany, laid the cornerstone July 21, 1861. The first mass was celebrated Christmas Eve of the same year. In 1870 the transept was added. The present steeple and ornate façade date from 1893. Saint Mary’s is the oldest Catholic parish in the San Joaquin Valley.

Stockton Historical Landmark No.1
Designated by the Stockton City Council 1971

Erected 1971 by City of Stockton. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is July 21, 1869.

Location. 37° 57.073′ N, 121° 17.241′ W. Marker is in Stockton, California, in San Joaquin County. Marker is on East Washington Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 East Washington Street, Stockton CA 95202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. California Building (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fox California Theatre (about 700 feet away); Stockton Savings and Loan Society Bank (about 800 feet away); Commercial and Savings Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ort J. Lofthus Crosstown Freeway (approx. 0.2 miles away); San Joaquin County Courthouse

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Tretheway Block - Argonaut Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); B & M Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stockton.

Also see . . . History of Saint Mary of the Assumption Church of Stockton California.

"Priests often traveled with immigrants coming to this area. One such man was Father Villarrasa. Most believe he was the first to hold Catholic services in Stockton. Another priest, Father Dominic Blaive, came to Stockton with a French party in 1851. Captain Charles Weber, the founder of the city, convinced Father Blaive to remain, and he became the first pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish. Captain Weber donated the property on Washington Street where at first a Wooden Church was constructed."

(Submitted on April 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Additional commentary.
1. St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary's Church (1861), 203 East Washington Street. The first Roman Catholic church in the San Joaquin Valley was constructed on two lots donated by Captain Charles Maria Weber on Washington and Hunter Streets.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 1, 2009

2. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Marker

There is a twin marker on the reverse side.

The location was ideal, due to its proximity to its primary population of Mexican, Spanish, Chilean, and French parishioners. The first church was a wooden structure, but the present brick Gothic design was dedicated in 1862. An additional to the north of the building was constructed in 1870, and the Gothic spire in 1893. Additional renovations were completed between 1945 and 1949. The adjacent parish is a two-story Classic Revival brick building constructed in 1905. The church used Washington Park, across the street, for religious festivities until it was replaced by the Crosstown Freeway in 1977. The building was added to the city register by resolution number 29,086 on June 1, 1971.
Source: Wikipedia

— Submitted November 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 1, 2009

3. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church

Marker is located behind the white canopy.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 21, 2023

4. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Marker

Plaque is on a pipe arm to the left of the front door.

St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Stockton, California image. Click for full size.

Distr by Fritz Vibe Postcard Service-Sacramento, Ca., Color by Fred Shorthill

5. St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Stockton, California

Description on Postcard:
Built on the site of the oldest Catholic Church of the entire San Joaquin Valley (the original wooden “Gold Rush” church was built in 1851). The nave and tower were built in 1861; transept was added in 1869; the front entrance and spire, in 1893.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,384 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on April 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 5. submitted on November 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.