St Raymond's Church - Dublin, CA
Posted by: saopaulo1
N 37° 42.011 W 121° 56.271
10S E 593633 N 4173080
Historic church in Dublin, CA
Waymark Code: WM3WC1
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 05/25/2008
Views: 77
"Old St. Raymond's Church, located at 6600 Donlon Way, was built in 1859 and dedicated in 1860. It is the oldest extant Catholic church in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The church was originally a mission church served by a priest who rode out from Oakland on horse back. It is located on the northeast corner of a four acre plot of donated land. Also located in this isolated oasis, amid century old walnut and hawthorn trees, is the Old Murray Schoolhouse and the Dublin Pioneer Cemetery where many of Dublin's founders are buried.
The first wedding was performed in the pioneer church in 1865 and the original belfry was added to the building in 1880. The little church served the Dublin community for many years, then stood vacant for many more. In 1966, the New St. Raymond's Catholic Church opened on Shannon Avenue. The Oakland Diocese then gave the old church to Amador-Livermore Valley Historical Society (ALVHS) to be preserved and restored. The building had many uses during its years with ALVHS. In 1993, the church was sold to the City of Dublin. Along with the sale of the church, the City also acquired ownership of the Old Murray Schoolhouse and the Dublin Pioneer Cemetery. Together, these facilities provide the community with the unique property known as the Dublin Heritage Center.
Old St. Raymond's Church has experienced many repairs and restorations over the years, beginning as early as 1922. The most recent renovation began after the City acquired ownership. The improvements included bringing the building up to structural code, adding handicap accessibility, and refinishing the original redwood flooring. Throughout its many restorations, the Church's general appearance has remained unchanged from its construction in 1859.
Since the completion of the current renovation, the church has been made available for community and private use. The intimate, historical setting is perfect for small weddings, funerals, memorials, baptisms, recitals and lectures of 84 or less. Information and applications for use are available from the City's Parks and Community Services"
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