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Saint Francis of Assisi |
Our Parish | Liturgy | Sacraments | Faith Formation | Funerals | School | History | Calendar | Parish Life | ||||
| Sacramento, CA | Centennial Celebration | ||||
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Over a
century ago, discussions between the Diocese and the Franciscan Friars led
to an invitation to form a new parish in this community. On December 31,
1894, Fr. Augustine McClory OFM became our first pastor. He secured
pledges from his new parishioners, purchased land for $7,000, and in
January 1895, in temporary facilities, conducted the first church
services. The church building was completed in two months, at a cost of
$14,000; it was formally dedicated on April 7, 1895.
The parish
quickly grew, and the cornerstone for a larger church was laid on the site
of the first church on October 18, 1908. Two years later, on October 23,
1910, the new church was dedicated.
More
recently, in 1985, interior renovations to improve lighting and sound, and
to provide ramps for the disabled, were completed. Then, in 1995, the
roof was replaced, seismic improvements were made, murals were restored,
and much more work was done in order to preserve this center of worship
for future generations.
During this
century of building, re-building and renovating the Church, St. Francis of
Assisi Parish also completed other major projects: the construction of a
three-storey school, now St. Francis Elementary School; a convent, now
the site of our Parish Center, and a Friary, where Franciscan friars
continue to live in community.
The
church’s architecture is modeled after that of the Old Mission of Santa
Barbara. The interior is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles; over
40 stained-glass windows and numerous murals decorate the ceilings and
walls, portraying saints and Biblical scenes. The beautiful carved wooden
staircase and railing to the second floor organ loft came from the 1906
remodeling of the State Capitol. Installed in the loft is a 1915 Austin
electro-pneumatic pipe organ. The church’s bell, cast in New York in
1859, was initially placed in the tower of St. Rose Church in 1895, and
later transferred to the belfry of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where it
continues to toll daily.
On
September 30, 1995, St. Francis of Assisi Church celebrated its Centennial
Anniversary–“100 Years of Blessings.”
Beginning in October 2008,
we are planning a Centennial Celebration of our church.
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