Murphys in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 7, 2009

1. St. Patrick's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Originally located near Dr. Jones apothecary and destroyed by fire, during which chalice and other sacred appurtenances were carried to safety by “Auntie” Moran in her voluminous apron. Present edifice financed by gold dust collected by the miners and begun in 1858 by the pastor, Rev. Father J. Motter, “The Church Builder of Calaveras County,” and dedicated Sunday, November 3, 1861, by the Most Reverend Joseph Adoc Alemany, Archbishop of San Francisco.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is November 3, 1864.

Location. 38° 8.374′ N, 120° 27.987′ W. Marker is in Murphys, California, in Calaveras County. Marker can be reached from Sheep Ranch Road, 0.1 miles east of Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 619 Sheep Ranch Road, Murphys CA 95247, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Heinsdorff Bakery (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall (about 700 feet away); Site of E.C.V. Saloon (about 700 feet away); E Clampus Vitus

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(about 700 feet away); The Compere Store (about 700 feet away); Maj. James D. Savage (about 700 feet away); John Murphy (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named E Clampus Vitus (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murphys.

More about this marker. Marker is to the right of the front door.

Regarding St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Constructed of locally-made brick in Gothic Revival style on land donated by Dr. Jones.

Also see . . . Murphys Town History. A short history of Murphys, including a small piece on St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. (Submitted on February 11, 2009.)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church - Front View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 7, 2009

2. St. Patrick's Catholic Church - Front View

St. Patrick's Catholic Church - Rear View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 7, 2009

3. St. Patrick's Catholic Church - Rear View

St. Patrick's - View from Northwest - Photo Courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William H. Knowles, May 30, 1936

4. St. Patrick's - View from Northwest - Photo Courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey

The HABS data card describes the church as. "One and 1-half story red brick of modest Victorian Gothic. Steeply gabled roof & brick pier buttresses on exterior give feeling of strength & largeness. Pointed, arched windows with simple tracery & stone sills lend grace; gabled porch with simple wooden pillars & small belfry add quaint charm."

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,692 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 11, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on November 14, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.