Historic Landmarks of San Francisco

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Old St. Mary's Church is one of the City's most venerable landmarks. Dedicated in 1854, Old St. Mary's was California's first Roman Catholic cathedral. Architects Thomas England and William Crain designed the simple red brick structure in the then-popular Gothic Revival style. Bricks and iron used in construction, as well as the bell, were shipped around Cape Horn. Stained glass was imported from Europe, while granite for the foundation was brought from China. John Sullivan, founder of the Hibernia Bank, donated the corner lot.

On June 16, 1855, the bell tolled for the first time as Bishop Alemany celebrated the first Mass. Old St. Mary's lost its cathedral status in 1894. Three years layer the Paulist fathers took over, operating the church as a mission. The building was gutted by the great 1906 fire, leaving only the sturdy brick walls standing. Even the bell was lost, melted in the intense heat. Archbishop Riordan wanted the ruins torn down after the fire, but parishioners and concerned outsiders, led by the pastor, Father Wyman, fought to save the beloved landmark. $50,000 was raised, and Old St. Mary's was rebuilt and rededicated in 1909.

Old St. Mary's still stands at the northeast corner of California and Grant. A state plaque is affixed to a buttress on the west side of the church, facing Grant Ave. This tablet, dated May 7, 1966, was placed by the California State Park Commission, the Paulist Fathers, and the Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West.