Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

Old Saint Mary's Church and Cathedral is the oldest Cathedral in California; It's cornerstone was placed on Sunday, July 17, 1853, at the corner of California and Dupont Streets by the Bishop of Monterrey Joseph S. Alemany. With its dedication by Alemany  (now as the new Archbishop of San Francisco), at Christmas Midnight Mass.

Over the many years, Old St. Mary's has served the Catholic (and non-catholic) community of San Francisco and those whom have visited it.  Unfortunately in its 170 years it has come under disrepair, and, as of today (February 1, 2021) it faces the very real possibility of having to close its doors to the community, and to the world. The Cathedral is in desperate need of infrastructure repair, and owes $250,000 in insurance payments,

Certainly the pandemic (Covid-19) has made the church's survival all the more difficult, the lack of tourists to the area (at the base of the entrance to historic Chinatown) and region, and, an aging (however so supportive) parishioner base has made Old St. Mary's' situation very dire indeed.  In case you are not aware, neither the Archdiocese of San Francsico, nor the Catholic Church itself can assist Old St. Mary's.  We are on our own, and implore our friends and neighbors for assistance in this difficult time.

Truly, at this point, ANY donation, no matter how small potentially will make a significant difference in the future of this historic monument to the state of California, and, to the city of San Francisco.