St. John's Episcopal Mission

stjohnschurch: St. John's Episcopal Church

This mission is restored to original condition with almost all of its original furnishings. Inside you can look beyond the pews to see the ornamental cross which graced the same altar in Rosedale over a century ago. 

HISTORY:
In the 1890s, the colony of Rosedale was largely populated by English settlers brought to this country by Haggin and Carr to colonize their land holdings. Built in 1892, the mission was established to serve the Rosedale area and the families who had settled there. The Church was officially opened on Easter Sunday in 1892. Designated as a chapel of St. Paul's Parish of Bakersfield, services were conducted by the rector of that church who commuted by horseback.

The mission was used until 1920. By then, the availability of the automobile allowed most churchgoers to commute to the larger St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 17th and Eye Streets in downtown Bakersfield. Declining membership caused the congregation to disband, and the building was sold and used as a residence.

The church was moved to the museum grounds in 1950, using the contributions mainly of St. Paul's parishioners to cover the purchase and cost of moving the church. The stained glass windows for the church were donated by St. James' Episcopal Cathedral in Fresno.

stjohnschurch 2:


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