List of Stockton Landmarks - Religious Facilities

Religious Facilities

• Original Temple Israel (1855). 821 North American Street, in the Magnolia Historic Preservation District. The oldest building on the city register, the building was added to the city register by resolution number 39,264 on July 26, 1982.

• St. Mary's Church (1861), 203 East Washington Street. The first Roman Catholic church in the San Joaquin Valley was constructed on two lots donated by Captain Charles Maria Weber on Washington and Hunter Streets. The location was ideal, due to its proximity to its primary population of Mexican, Spanish, Chilean, and French parishioners. The first church was a wooden structure, but the present brick Gothic design was dedicated in 1862. An additional to the north of the building was constructed in 1870, and the Gothic spire in 1893. Additional renovations were completed between 1945 and 1949. The adjacent parish is a two-story Classic Revival brick building constructed in 1905. The church used Washington Park, across the street, for religious festivities until it was replaced by the Crosstown Freeway in 1977. The building was added to the city register by resolution number 29,086 on June 1, 1971.

• St. John's Episcopal Church (1892). 115 East Miner Avenue, in the Magnolia Historic Preservation District. Built by members of the third-oldest Episcopal parish on the West Coast, this cruciform Norman-style church featured a piece of stained glass from the old church, which was placed over the west door and today is the oldest stained glass in San Joaquin Valley. In ensuing years, the church added memorial windows that were of Victorian (earth tones and pastels) and European styles (bold reds, greens, and blues. The parish unofficially started in 1850, but received its charter in 1858 as part of the Diocese of California. A brick building was constructed on land donated by Captain Charles Weber, and features a pipe organ from Boston, the pipes of which are still in use today. A Nordic-style Guild Hall was constructed in 1889, only to be replaced three years later by the current structure. The parish joined the new Missionary District of San Joaquin in 1911 after separating from the main diocese. In the 1950s, the vestry began purchasing several surrounding buildings for use in its ministries, including the former Chase Chevrolet facilities. The church was added to the city register by resolution number 29,100 on June 7, 1971, and is known today as the Anglican Church of St. John the Evangelist.

• St. Agnes School & Convent (1914-20). 640 North San Joaquin Street, in the Magnolia Historic Preservation District. The building was added to the city register by resolution number 86-0503 on August 11, 1986.

• Sikh Temple (1915), 1930 South Grant Street. Constructed by Sikhs, who came to the San Joaquin Valley in the early 1900s because of its similarities to the Punjab region of India, the temple was one of the first religious centers for Indians in the United States. A more modern temple was built in 1930; the original building is used as the library, and is #1039 on the Office of Historic Preservation's California Historical Landmark list. It is either the first or second Sikh temple built outside of India. Sikhism is the 5th biggest religion making the Sikh temple of Stockton that much more significant. It is a historical temple and all higher up members Of the Sikh religion visit often.

• First Church of Christ Scientist (1928), 801 North Center Street. Designed by Allen and Young, who are also known for the Henery Apartments (1913), Goold and John's Tudor Flats (1924) at 938-944 North Sutter Street, Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium (1924), and the Jewish Community Center (1928). The building was added to the city register by resolution number 95-0107 on March 20, 1995.

• Jewish Community Center (1928), 1337 North Madison Street. Designed by Allen and Young, who are also known for the Henery Apartments (1913), Goold and John's Tudor Flats (1924) at 938-944 North Sutter Street, Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium (1924), and the First Church of Christ Scientist (1928). The building was added to the city register by resolution number 36,741 on November 13, 1979.