#26 of 100 Reasons to Smile in Stockton, California

It’s impossible to miss the beautiful architecture in town, and there’s no better place to start than St. John’s Episcopal Church.  As the third oldest Episcopal Church on the west coast founded in 1850, the Nordic-style guild hall (on the right) was built in 1889 and the adjacent Norman-style church was built in 1892. Today, both buildings of St John's Episcopal Church are designated Stockton historical landmarks and the church is home to an annual orchestra festival (Jan 22nd-29th!).  Fun fact: The stained glass window over the west door of the present building is the oldest stained glass in the San Joaquin Valley.

Note: The top right picture below is circa 1900.  

Find out more about the rich history of Stockton, California at VisitStockton.org!  And don't forget about St. John's Annual Orchestra Festival coming up later this month!