ST. MARY’S PARISH
We are a vibrant Catholic Christian community that is here to help you in your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Gallery of Our Parish
How did St. Mary’s begin? - 1867!
She traces her roots back to 1867 when the first church was built in Elmira, then called Vaca Station. It was a mission church of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Dixon and seated 50 people. As Vacaville began to grow, this St. Mary’s, pictured to the left, was built in Vacaville. She was located in the area of Mason St. and Catherine St. between present day downtown and the busy train and commercial area of Depot St. This photo of St. Mary’s was taken in 1903.
1910 - 1920’s
This St. Mary’s (still a mission church) is seen here in the same location of Mason St and Catherine St. with its tall, narrow belltower and steeple, and even a rose window. This photo was taken before 1910 looking south from Andrews Park. She seated 150 congregates. Unfortunately, this church burnt down in the early 1920’s, and for a time the Catholics of Vacaville did not have local church.
1926-1956
In 1926 Father Edwin J. Keller built this beautiful St. Mary’s (still a mission church) on the corner of Merchant St. and Walnut St. with its mission design and single bell tower. She seated 230 congregates. This building is still standing and is now a local government building. The street on the right side of the church is Walnut St. before it was paved.
1947
St. Mary’s became the parish church for Vacaville.
In 1947 St. Mary’s, no longer a mission, became the parish church for Vacaville, and Father Michael F. Garvey was her first pastor, followed in 1953 by Father Peter Kelly.
1956 - 2008
By 1956 St. Mary’s became too small for her fast-growing congregation, and she was relocated to what was then the outskirts of Vacaville to her present location on the corner of Stinson Ave. and Hemlock St.
Her Renewal
In 2004 there was proposition by Father Michael McFadden to renovate St. Mary’s honoring the tradition and design of the California Missions. See her artistic inspiration on the left.
Renovations began in 2008 thanks to the continued support of St. Mary’s parishioners. For many years to come, her beauty and timelessness will continue to offer all those who enter her doors into an encounter with Jesus Christ. (
See the amazing transformation photos below)
