Christian sites in California

Notable Christian Sites

California’s Christian heritage is reflected in its diverse architecture, ranging from the 1879 wooden Yosemite Valley Chapel to the grand Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in San Jose. This collection features historic Episcopal, Methodist, and Catholic churches that have served their communities since the mid-19th century. These sites highlight regional history and varied architectural styles, from the dual spires of the San Diego California Temple to gold-rush era parishes in Oroville.

Notable Christian Sites — Map

Raj & Neha / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Yosemite Valley Chapel

The Yosemite Valley Chapel was built in the Yosemite Valley of California in 1879.

DavidLeighEllis / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is a large Roman Catholic church in Downtown San Jose, which serves as the cathedral for the Roman…

C

The First Unitarian Church of San José

The First Unitarian Church of San Jose is located at 160 North Third Street in downtown San Jose, California, across from St.

D

San Diego California Temple

A prominent temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints featuring two main spires and white marble-chip stucco architecture.

Tony Eppstein / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Temple of Kwan Tai

The Temple of Kwan Tai is a Chinese Taoist temple in Mendocino, California, dedicated to Kwan Tai. It is California Historical Landmark #927.

F

Saint Mary's

Episcopal church located in Lompoc.

G

Shandon United Methodist Church

Methodist place of worship serving the Shandon community.

H

Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

Catholic parish church in Oroville with a history dating back to the California Gold Rush.

I

Saint Pauls Episcopal Church

Built in 1859, this is one of the oldest Episcopal church buildings in continuous use in California.

J

First Methodist Church

Methodist congregation in Oroville established in 1857.

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