Saint Paul's Episcopal Church

The 1973 state bronze was placed in cooperation with Exxon, whose refinery, built in 1969 for Humble Oil, stands east of town. Shipwrights of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company built the church from Lieutenant Julian McAllister's design, and Bishop William Ingraham Kip consecrated it in 1860. The Native Sons' centennial bronze of 1954 adds what the state's leaves out: a first service in the old Capitol building, the cathedral years from 1874 to 1899, and a parish that mothered a seminary and two schools. Valero, the refinery's owner since 2000, planned to close it in April 2026.

What the plaque says

1854 Saint Paul's Episcopal Church 1954 In honor of the one hundredth anniversary Founded September 24, 1854; with the first service conducted by lay reader Major F. D. Townsend, U.S. Army, in the "Old Capitol Building"; constructed from plans presented by Colonel Julian McAllister, of the Benicia Arsenal, in April 1859; consecrated on February 12, 1860 by the Right Reverend William Ingraham Kip, D.D., first Episcopal Bishop of California; the Cathedral of the Missionary District of Northern California, 1874-1899, under the Right Reverend J. H. D. Wingfield, D.D., first resident bishop; the mother parish of the first Episcopal theological seminary in the West, of Saint Augustine's School for Boys, of Saint Mary's of the Pacific for Girls, under Dean James Lloyd Breck, D.D.; served through the century by loyal clergymen and lay persons for the glory of God and his kingdom. Erected by the Historic Landmarks Committee, Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West. Benicia Parlor No. 89, Native Sons of the Golden West, and Benicia Parlor No. 287, Native Daughters of the Golden West. Marker dedicated during the centennial observance of Saint Paul's Church, Oct. 17, 1954. St. Paul's Episcopal Church Designed in 1859 by Lt. Julian McAllister and built by shipwrights of the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company, St. Paul's is an outstanding example of early California Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. Notable for its fine craftsmanship, this building has continuously served the Episcopal Church since its consecration by the Rt. Rev. William Ingraham Kip in 1860. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 862 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Exxon U.S.A. November 25, 1973

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• First Building Erected in California by Masonic Lodge for Use as a Hall — steps away
• Site of First Protestant Church — steps away
• Benicia Seminary — steps away
• Fischer-Hanlon House — steps away