Rocklin in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old St. Mary’s
͠ Dedicated 1883 ͠
Rocklin’s Irish community started to raise funds to build their own church – it was St. Patrick’s Day; the year, 1881. Two years later this building was completed. Archbishop Joseph Alemany of San Francisco dedicated the building as St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church on August 13, 1883.
St. Mary’s served the Catholic communities of Rocklin and Loomis for 100 years. In 1983 the congregation moved to a new facility, SS. Peter and Paul’s on Granite Drive. Ownership changed; The building served the Church of Religious Science, and later, the Baptist faith. Ultimately, Rocklin’s only remaining 19th Century public building fell to disrepair on a Front Street knoll 400 yards south of this spot.
Rocklin Historical Society developed a plan to save St. Mary’s from demolition and restore her. The Keller family donated the building, the City of Rocklin established Heritage Park. On Sept. 17, 2005 hundreds of citizens pulled St. Mary’s to the park. Two years later on Sept. 21, 2007 a new steeple was lifted into place completing the restoration. More than 400 individuals and organizations had participated in the project. St. Mary’s was once again ready to serve the community as “Old St. Mary’s Chapel".
Erected by Rocklin Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1846.
Location. 38° 47.456′ N, 121° 14.314′ W. Marker is in Rocklin, California, in Placer County. Marker is on Front Street near Rocklin Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5251 Front Street, Rocklin CA 95677, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George A. Wyman (a few steps from this marker); Rocklin Hose Company No. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Trott Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rocklin (about 300 feet away); Rocklin Roundhouse (about 500 feet away); Rocklin Ranches (about 500 feet away); The Fletcher Moon House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rocklin Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rocklin.
Additional commentary.
1. St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church
The church was originally located at 5240 Front St. between Farron and C Streets. The church was constructed during 1882-1883. Father John Leahy was the first resident priest. The original steeple gave way to bad weather and "irreverent woodpeckers" and was removed in 1937. In 1984, a greatly expanded parish relocated to a new church - St. Peter & St. Paul Catholic Church on Granite Drive. A corner stone from the old church rests in front of the new church.
Source: City of Rocklin - Historic Sites. www.rocklin.ca.gov/residents/history/landmarks.asp
— Submitted October 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,566 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on October 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 9. submitted on October 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.