Boulder Creek in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Grace Episcopal Church Building
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 29, 2022
1. Grace Episcopal Church Building Marker
Inscription.
Grace Episcopal Church Building. . The building stands in the original town of Lorenzo, laid out by sawmill owner Joseph Peery, who included a “no whiskey” clause in each lot’s deed. In 1885 Boulder Creek was chosen for the terminus of the railroad from Felton, and after a fire devastated Lorenzo in 1897. Boulder Creek prevailed. During aggressive clashes over restricting liquor, gambling and prostitution, Peery’s mill was torched, as were the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, hence this building is the oldest surviving building in Boulder Creek. Grace Mission was established in May 1905 and this land was purchased. Arthur Darwall, who conducted services, and his son, are credited with the building construction. Opening services, November 1906, were held by Archdeacon Emery of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. When congregation numbers dwindled, Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond parishes were consolidated and Grace Episcopal closed. The building lay unused for several years until purchased in 1923 by the Christian Science Society. Isaiah Hartman loaned over half of the $1000 required. In 1955 the Society attained church status and the name was officially changed to First Church of Christ Scientist, Boulder Creek and in 1978, the Church was officially dedicated. In 1995, the property was sold to the Boulder Creek Historical Society to house the San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s collections. It opened to the community in 1999. Erected August 20, 2011 (6016 A.S.) San Lorenzo Valley Historical Museum El Viceroy Marques de Braniforte Chapter 1797 Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus
The building stands in the original town of Lorenzo, laid out by sawmill owner Joseph Peery, who included a “no whiskey” clause in each lot’s deed. In 1885 Boulder Creek was chosen for the terminus of the railroad from Felton, and after a fire devastated Lorenzo in 1897. Boulder Creek prevailed. During aggressive clashes over restricting liquor, gambling and prostitution, Peery’s mill was torched, as were the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, hence this building is the oldest surviving building in Boulder Creek.
Grace Mission was established in May 1905 and this land was purchased. Arthur Darwall, who conducted services, and his son, are credited with the building construction. Opening services, November 1906, were held by Archdeacon Emery of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. When congregation numbers dwindled, Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond parishes were consolidated and Grace Episcopal closed.
The building lay unused for several years until purchased in 1923 by the Christian Science Society. Isaiah Hartman loaned over half of the $1000 required. In 1955 the Society attained church status and the name was officially changed to First Church of Christ Scientist, Boulder Creek and in 1978, the Church was officially dedicated. In 1995, the property was sold to the Boulder Creek Historical Society to house the San Lorenzo Valley
Click or scan to see this page online
Museum’s collections. It opened to the community in 1999.
Erected August 20, 2011 (6016 A.S.)
San Lorenzo Valley Historical Museum
El Viceroy Marques de Braniforte Chapter 1797
Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus
Erected 2011 by San Lorenzo Valley Historical Museum & E Clampus Vitus, El Viceroy Marquez de Branciforte Chapter 1797.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1905.
Location. 37° 7.003′ N, 122° 7.239′ W. Marker is in Boulder Creek, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker can be reached from State Route 9, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12547 State Route 9, Boulder Creek CA 95006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
1. The church building now serves as the San Lorenzo Valley Museum. Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m.
— Submitted August 2, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 29, 2022
3. Grace Episcopal Church Building
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013
4. Grace Episcopal Church
1906
Gothic Revival Style
John Morrow, Architect
San Lorenzo
Historical Landmark
The Museum of Art & History
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013
5. Grace Episcopal Church
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 29, 2022
6. Church Interior
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 29, 2022
7. Church Interior
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 481 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on August 2, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2. submitted on January 11, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on August 5, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 4, 5. submitted on January 11, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6, 7. submitted on August 2, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.