(First St. Anne's - Built 1862)

Text from St. Anne's Centennial 1862-1962

St. Anne's was established in 1860 as one of the first Missions which grew out of St. Joseph's Church in Mission San Jose. It is not definitely known where Masses were held prior to the building of the first church, which was dedicated in 1862 by Arch- bishop Alemany. It was located on the present site of Smith and Watkins Streets, with Pastors coming from that Parish. It had been known as the "Little Church by the Wayside," and as the "Little Church of Lucky Weddings."

Older families of the area have stated that they remember their families attending Mass at Mission San Jose prior to the establishment of St. Anne's. Many went in lumber wagons pulled by horses, using boxes for seats.

Father Dominic Governo was the first Pastor to come to St. Anne's from the Holy Ghost Parish in Fremont (Centerville District), around 1886 when we became a Mission of that Parish. Many older residents still remember Father Governo riding his white horse to Church.

In the early 1920's St. Edward's Parish was established in Newark. We were then a Mission from that Parish, with Father John F. Casey as our first Pastor. Like his predecessors, he felt the need of a new church in Alvarado, and determined to build as soon as conditions warranted.

In 1925 the present church replaced the original structure which marked the passing of one of the oldest structures in the Washington Township that stood three score and four years. It was dedicated on March 7, 1926 by the Most Reverend Archbishop Hanna. The new structure was one of the finest examples of rural church architecture to be found in California, in the Spanish Mission style of reinforced concrete at a cost of $25,000. Both the Catholics and non-Catholics were exceedingly generous with their donations. They gave stained glass windows, altars, Stations of the Cross, and pews. The bell was the only thing lacking, which was later received.

Following the dedication a turkey dinner was held at the home of John H. Ralph and he holds fond memories of the occasion which the ladies of the town prepared for all the guests.

During the building of the present church, the old structure was moved back of the present site on Watkins Street. It is said that some of the lumber from the old church is part of the present Chapel used by the S.D.E.S. Lodge for their Portuguese Celebrations.

In June 1961 we became a Mission of the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Union City (Decoto District), under the guidance of the Franciscan Fathers. Father Leonard Herzberg was our appointed Pastor from that Parish with Father Anthony Soto placed in charge of St. Anne's, and Father Savio Dindia, Assistant Pastor. Recently Father Anthony Soto became Pastor of another Parish and Father Gordon Urbine was added to the staff.

Following the example of their ancestors it is gratifying to see the parishioners are still active with the passing of one hundred years. The beautiful shrine honoring our Patron Saint was erected and donated by them for this centennial celebration.

(Second St. Anne's - Built 1926)

In 1983, St. Anne built the third and present Church. The second church was getting too small for the ever growing parish.

( 3rd St. Anne's - built 1983)

St. Anne Pastors for the First 100 Years

• Rev. Julius Federey ............ 1860 - 1873
• Rev. Patrick Dowling ......... 1873 - 1875
• Rev. John F. Cassidy ......... 1875 - 1878
• Rev. Peter J. Kaiser ........... 1878 - 1880
• Rev. Terence Caraher ........ 1880 - 1886
• Rev. Dominic Governo ....... 1886 - 1913
• Rt. Rev. Alfred de Sousa .... 1913 - 1920
• Rev. John F. Casey ............ 1920 - 1929
• Rev. Reuben F. Bray .......... 1930 - 1936
• Rt. Rev. Robert I. Falvey .... 1934 - 1935
• Rev. William B. Flatley ........ 1935 - 1941
• Rev. James J. McClaughlin .. 1941 - 1949
• Rev. James J. Concannon .... 1949 - 1952
• Rev. Thomas P. Gilbert ........ 1952 - 1961
• Rev. Eladio Pascual .............. 1973 - 1977
• Rev. Alexander Snyder ......... 1977 - 1983
• Rev. Gabriel Meyer .............. 1983 - 1984
• Rev. Harry Morrison ............ 1984 - 1991
• Rev. Ramon Gomes .............. 1991 -