Methodist Episcopal Church

The oldest church building in the county spent sixty-five years hidden inside another one. Built in 1851 at Cedar Ravine and Main, it was outgrown by 1861, sold, moved down the hill, and re-sided onto an existing one-story structure to make two-story living quarters, after which everyone forgot what was in there. In 1958 a contractor taking the place apart found a separate building inside the one he was demolishing and stopped. The sign says the first bell came off the sailing ship Staffordshire, bought in San Francisco.

What the plaque says

Methodist Episcopal Church Erected in 1851. Oldest church building in El Dorado County. It originally stood on the corner of Cedar Ravine and Main Street. The Ponderosa Pine beams are hand hewn. First church bell was purchased from the sailing ship "Staffordshire". Restored by public contribution. Dedicated July 30, 1961 - Rededicated October 13, 1996 Plaque presented by El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park — 7.0 mi
  The tailrace at Coloma where a carpenter found gold in January 1848 and the world came running.

More markers nearby

• Studebaker's Shop (Site of) — 0.2 mi
• Old Dry Diggins-Old Hangtown-Placerville — 0.3 mi
• Hangman's Tree — 0.5 mi
• Placerville-Overland Pony Express Route in California — 0.5 mi