Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. St. Joseph’s Cathedral Marker
St. Joseph’s was the first church of the Pueblo de San José. The original adobe structure was built on the present site in 1803. It was replaced by a second adobe in 1845, which in turn was replaced by a wooden building in 1869. After this structure was destroyed by fire in 1875, the present building was begun. Designed by architect Bryan J. Clinch, this grand edifice continues to house San José’s oldest seat of Christian worship.
Erected by City of San Jose. (Marker Number 910.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.
Location. 37° 20.031′ N, 121° 53.445′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. It is at the intersection of Market Street and San Fernando Street, on the right when traveling north on Market Street. Marker is mounted on a pole on the sidewalk at the front of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 S Market St, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, in Silicon Valley, and on the Coast 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 Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: United States Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Juzgado (about
this page online
Regarding St. Joseph’s Cathedral. In 1977 this church was designated California Historical Landmark No. 910 ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - “Established in 1803, St. Joseph's was the first non-mission church in a Spanish California settlement. The present edifice, designed in Italian baroque style by noted architect Bryan C. Clinch, is the fourth to be built at the original site. Its cornerstone was laid March 19, 1876, and it was dedicated April 22,1877.”
Also see . . . The History of St. Joseph’s. Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph Website entry (Submitted on April 29, 2010.)
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
2. St. Joseph’s Cathedral Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
3. St. Joseph’s Cathedral Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
4. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
5. Plaque Mounted on the Wall in the Vestibule at the Entrance
The Most Rev. Joseph A. Alemany,O.P. First Archbishop of San Francisco dedicated Saint Joseph Church fourth on this site on land donated by Antonio Sunol for the first permanent Catholic Parish in California founded in 1803.
Rev. Nicholas Congiato. S.J., Pastor
22 April 1877
22 April 1877
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
6. A Second Plaque Mounted on the Wall in the Vestibule at the Entrance
First Bishop of San Jose dedicated this church restored and renovated as the new Cathedral of the Diocese of San Jose
Rev. P. Jeremiah Helfrich S.J., Rector
4 November 1990
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
7. Bell Tower
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
8. Rear View of Cathedral
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
9. Cathedral Domes
Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010
10. Detail Above the Entrance Doors
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,487 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 6, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on April 29, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
