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| Landmark #139 | Tuolumne County | Visited: June 27, 2015 | Plaque? NO. 🙁 |
| What is it? | The “Red Church” is still in service! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: The seventh parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church in California, St. James is the oldest Episcopal Church building in the state. The first services were held in the church on October 4, 1859, and it was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Wm. Ingraham Kip in 1870.
OTHER TIDBITS: Now for some modern history: In 2007, the San Joaquin Diocese split from the Episcopal Church when the Mother Church proclaimed that women and LGBT folks could be ordained as clergy! The more liberal branch stayed as the San Joaquin Diocese, while the more conservative one became the Anglican San Joaquin Diocese and became a part of the Province of the Southern Cone, which is based in South America! Many folks in the congregation of the Red Church didn’t agree with their new conservative diocese and moved elsewhere, leaving the church in Anglican possession! The Episcopal Church filed a lawsuit, arguing that, while it was legal to separate from the church, it was not illegal to take church property along! So, in 2013, St. James became Episcopal again, and its congregation returned with a message of social justice and compassion! One of its current bishops is even a transgender woman! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Intersection of N Washington (State Hwy 49) and Elkin Sts Sonora, CA 95370 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~330mi (532km) — 5.5hrs |
| When should I go? | Services are held from 10:00 AM on Sundays and 11:00 AM on Wednesdays! |
