San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

1. St. Joseph’s Cathedral Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

Location. 37° 20.031′ N, 121° 53.445′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. 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 South Market Street, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station (about 400 feet away); Site of Worlds First Broadcasting Station / World’s First Broadcasting Station

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

2. St. Joseph’s Cathedral Marker

(about 400 feet away); The Freedom Tree (about 400 feet away); Plaza de Cesar E. Chavez (about 400 feet away); First State Capitol Building (about 500 feet away); First State Capital (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Also see . . .
1. The History of St. Joseph’s. A short history of the first parish in California. (Submitted on April 29, 2010.)

2. Downtown San Jose History Walk. The Cathedral (Site #5) is featured on the Downtown San Jose History Walk along with 30 additional sites. (Submitted on April 29, 2010.)

Topics. This marker is included in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings

St. Joseph’s Cathedral image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

3. St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Plaque Mounted on the Wall in the Vestibule at the Entrance image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

4. 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

A Second Plaque Mounted on the Wall in the Vestibule at the Entrance image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

5. A Second Plaque Mounted on the Wall in the Vestibule at the Entrance

The Most Rev. R. Pierre DuMaine
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

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

6. Bell Tower

Rear View of Cathedral image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

7. Rear View of Cathedral

Cathedral Domes image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

8. Cathedral Domes

Detail Above the Entrance Doors image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

9. Detail Above the Entrance Doors

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on April 29, 2010, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. This page has been viewed 731 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 29, 2010, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California.