Orinda in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Santa Maria Chapel, 1892

The Santa Maria Chapel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 31, 2020

1. The Santa Maria Chapel Marker

Inscription. In keeping with its Spanish and Mexican heritage, the first church in Orinda was Catholic, built by Marie de Laveaga on their estate in 1892. The Santa Maria Chapel held Services intermittently until 1954, when its 19 pews were inadequate for the increased population.

A new Santa Maria Church, accommodating 600 people, was built on Santa Maria Drive and includes a rectory, convent and school.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 37° 52.865′ N, 122° 11.168′ W. Marker is in Orinda, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker is at the intersection of Orinda Way and Santa Maria Way, on the right when traveling north on Orinda Way. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orinda CA 94563, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1923 Orinda Improvement Association (within shouting distance of this marker); The Conklin Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); 1958 The Orinda Library (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Downtown (about 600 feet away); Orinda School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Santa Maria Church Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1925 Orinda Union School

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Did You Know that Orinda Once Had a Railroad? (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orinda.

More about this marker. The marker itself is about two blocks to the south of the Santa Maria Church.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Santa Maria Church Bell

The Santa Maria Chapel Marker - wide view (mounted to post on the corner) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 31, 2020

2. The Santa Maria Chapel Marker - wide view (mounted to post on the corner)

The Santa Maria Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 17, 2020

3. The Santa Maria Church

Visible on the left is the 1892 Santa Maria Chapel church bell, which was itself designated an historic landmark by the City of Orinda in June, 1995.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 17, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.