San Gabriel in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Church of Our Saviour
Celebrates 150th Anniversary
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Church of Our Saviour Marker
In 1867, the reverend Dr. Henry Messenger came to the San Gabriel Valley searching for a site to become the home of a new episcopal church. Rev. Messenger had been tasked by Mrs. Amos Maine Vinton of Providence, Rhode Island, who had a dream that "the glory of god might be told from sea to sea" in the United States.
It was the prominent rancher Benjamin "Don Benito" Wilson who convinced Rev. Messenger that San Gabriel was an ideal location, and he donated a parcel of land for the building of the church. Wilson also provided labor and materials, including adobe soil from his property which was made into adobe bricks for the original church. While the building was being completed, Rev. Messenger held regular services in his nearby home, and the Church of Our Saviour became the first protestant church in San Gabriel.
Erected 2017 by Native Sons of the Golden West Ramona Parlor #109 San Gabriel.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 34° 6.609′ N, 118° 6.505′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bovard - Wilson - Hayes House and Jail (approx. Ύ mile away); The Mission Playhouse (approx. 0.8 miles away); San Gabriel Veterans War Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); La Casa Vieja de Lopez (approx. 0.9 miles away); Grapevine Arbor (approx. 0.9 miles away); Ramona Museum of California History (approx. 0.9 miles away); Early California
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Church of Our Saviour
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Cornerstone - 1867
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. Church of Our Saviour
Photographed by Craig Baker
5. Church of Our Saviour
Photographed by Craig Baker
6. Sign at Street
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 167 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 30, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
