Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Saint John's Episcopal Mission
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
1. Saint John's Episcopal Mission Marker
People living in small towns built churches to provide services within walking distance from their homes.
Saint John’s Episcopal Mission opened to parishioners in Rosedale in 1892. In the early days, a pastor from Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bakersfield rode on horseback to conduct services in this rural church. Eventually, the automobile made the trip to Bakersfield more practical, and in 1920 the church closed.
The original clear glass windows in the church were removed when the building was converted to a residence. Saint James Cathedral in Fresno donated these stained glass windows after the church was moved to the museum.
This church was moved in 1950 when a project to widen Rosedale Highway threatened to demolish the structure. Donations from the citizens of Kern County enabled the museum to purchase the church from Paul Weller and relocate the building to the museum grounds.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 35° 23.572′ N, 119° 1.317′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from Chester Avenue
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Norris School (a few steps from this marker); Havilah Courier (a few steps from this marker); Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); Cook Wagon (a few steps from this marker); Dust Bowl Housing Units (within shouting distance of this marker); Sentry Statues and Gate Posts (within shouting distance of this marker); Weill House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairhaven Pump House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. Saint John's Episcopal Mission Church Building and Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
3. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
Saint John's Episcopal Mission, circa 1892
Lower Photo:
Saint John's Episcopal Mission, circa 1915.
Saint John's Episcopal Mission, circa 1892
Lower Photo:
Saint John's Episcopal Mission, circa 1915.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
4. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
The roof of the church was removed to allow the structure to pass under utility wires while in transit to the museum.
Lower Photo:
Moving the church to the museum in 1950.
The roof of the church was removed to allow the structure to pass under utility wires while in transit to the museum.
Lower Photo:
Moving the church to the museum in 1950.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
5. Saint John's Episcopal Mission
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,039 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
