Benicia in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
Designed in 1859 by Lt. Julian McAllister and built by shipwrights of the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company, St. Paul's is an outstanding example of early California Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. Notable for its fine craftsmanship, this building has continuously served the Episcopal Church since its consecration by the Rt. Rev. William Ingraham Kip in 1860.
Erected 1973 by The State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Exxon, USA, November 25, 1973. (Marker Number 862.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 38° 3.114′ N, 122° 9.397′ W. Marker is in Benicia, California, in Solano County. Marker is on East J Street, on the right when traveling east. The church is located on the corner of East J. Street and 1st Street (The church faces 1st Street). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 East J Street, Benicia CA 94510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1854 – Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church – 1954 (here, next to this marker); First Masonic Hall Built in California (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of the First Protestant Church in California (about 600 feet away); World War I Memorial (about 600 feet away); Site of Benicia Seminary (about 800 feet away); Fischer-Hanlon House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Founders of Benicia (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert Semple (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Benicia.
Regarding Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.862 on July 20, 1973.
Also see . . .
1. Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. Church website homepage (Submitted on June 14, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. City of Benicia History. City website entry (Submitted on June 14, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. St. Paul’s Church (1859)
The present church was built in 1859. Lay readers conducted the early services, among them Captain Julian McAllister. In 1867 St. Paul’s became the first Episcopal Cathedral for Northern California with the Reverend J.H.D. Wingfield as bishop.
Work on the building was done by Scandinavian shipwrights from the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company. The nautical heritage is reflected in the ceiling, which resembles an inverted ship’s hull and is similar in design to the Norwegian stave churches. California redwood with wooden dowels was used in this edifice, which has a floor plan shaped like a cross.
Source: Historic Benicia Walking Tour brochure.
— Submitted February 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,469 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.