Churches
St. Francis of the Mountains: History of the Hidden Chapel at Fallen Leaf Lake
Tucked among the trees near Fallen Leaf Lake, St. Francis of the Mountains is one of those places that feels easy to miss and impossible to forget. The little chapel does not announce itself with size or grandeur. Instead, it draws people in with its quiet setting, rustic character, and deep ties to the early …...
St. Peter’s Chapel in Vallejo: The Oldest Naval Chapel in the United States
Tucked away on Mare Island in Vallejo, California, St. Peter’s Chapel is one of the most endearing historic landmarks in the North Bay Area. Often overlooked by visitors, this small wooden chapel holds a remarkable distinction – it is widely recognized as the oldest naval chapel in the United States. Originally built in 1901,...
The Church of the Immaculate Conception: Smartsville’s historic catholic church
As the years pass by, churches from the Gold Rush era are becoming harder to find. Many of the Gold Rush towns have faded into history with very few remnants, if any, to show of their existence. Yuba County’s Smartsville was one of the lucky towns to have survived Gold Country’s disappearing act. And, in their …...
Castles on the Hill: the San Francisco Theological Seminary’s Montgomery and Scott Halls
On a knoll overlooking the town of San Anselmo, are two fairytale like castles positioned in the shadows of Mt. Tamalpais. These structures, which at one time flirted with a destructive fate, are the source of community pride and affectionately known as the “castles on the hill.” History In September of 1892, the San...
The tale of St. Joseph’s Church Bell
The parish decided to raise $3500 for a church bell to be added to St. Joseph. The bell was cast in Sheffield and then delivered to Boston. It would then be shipped around the Horn to San Francisco. By boat, the bell was taken to Sacramento where it was transported via cart with 6 horses to …...
