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History
History
Catholic life in Orland began in the late nineteenth century, when Father Michael Wallrath, pastor of Saint Monica Parish in Willows, recognized the need to serve the growing Catholic community. Three lots were donated by Mrs. J. W. Kendrick, and the Deveny family made the first gift of $250 on the feast of Saint Dominic. Construction began on October 13, 1884, and the first Mass was celebrated on December 23 of that year.
Catholic life in Orland began in the late nineteenth century, when Father Michael Wallrath, pastor of Saint Monica Parish in Willows, recognized the need to serve the growing Catholic community. Three lots were donated by Mrs. J. W. Kendrick, and the Deveny family made the first gift of $250 on the feast of Saint Dominic. Construction began on October 13, 1884, and the first Mass was celebrated on December 23 of that year.
Saint Dominic first served as a mission of Saint Monica Parish. Bishop Thomas Grace raised it to parish status in 1918; the diocesan directory records the parish beginning in 1919, when Father William Coen became its first resident pastor. During his pastorate, the parish established Saint Dominic Catholic Cemetery in 1926 and began serving the Catholic community in Hamilton City.
Saint Dominic first served as a mission of Saint Monica Parish. Bishop Thomas Grace raised it to parish status in 1918; the diocesan directory records the parish beginning in 1919, when Father William Coen became its first resident pastor. During his pastorate, the parish established Saint Dominic Catholic Cemetery in 1926 and began serving the Catholic community in Hamilton City.
The original wooden church was destroyed by fire on March 13, 1947. Parishioners immediately began rebuilding on the same site under Father Anthony J. Dosch. The present Spanish Mission-style church was completed in 1949 and blessed by Bishop Robert J. Armstrong on September 25.
The original wooden church was destroyed by fire on March 13, 1947. Parishioners immediately began rebuilding on the same site under Father Anthony J. Dosch. The present Spanish Mission-style church was completed in 1949 and blessed by Bishop Robert J. Armstrong on September 25.
In 1986, Saint Dominic underwent its first major interior renovation since the present church was built. An eleven-member committee guided the project, while many parishioners volunteered their time and skills. Parishioner John Zuppan, assisted by friends, handcrafted a new cross, altar, ambo, and tabernacle stand from a black walnut tree that had fallen into the Sacramento River, adding cottonwood inlays. The renewed church was celebrated on June 21, 1986, with a wedding, a baptism, Mass, and a rehearsal for the Orland Holy Ghost Society Festa.
In 1986, Saint Dominic underwent its first major interior renovation since the present church was built. An eleven-member committee guided the project, while many parishioners volunteered their time and skills. Parishioner John Zuppan, assisted by friends, handcrafted a new cross, altar, ambo, and tabernacle stand from a black walnut tree that had fallen into the Sacramento River, adding cottonwood inlays. The renewed church was celebrated on June 21, 1986, with a wedding, a baptism, Mass, and a rehearsal for the Orland Holy Ghost Society Festa.
With the approval of the Most Reverend Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento, and through the generous support of our parishioners, Saint Dominic Church underwent a major renovation in 2026. The project included new carpeting and flooring, fresh interior paint, an upgraded sound system, and new Stations of the Cross. While the work was underway, Masses and the sacraments were celebrated in the parish hall. The parish community joyfully returned to the renovated church for Mass on Easter Sunday 2026. On August 8, 2026—the Feast of Saint Dominic—Bishop Soto solemnly blessed the renovated church.
With the approval of the Most Reverend Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento, and through the generous support of our parishioners, Saint Dominic Church underwent a major renovation in 2026. The project included new carpeting and flooring, fresh interior paint, an upgraded sound system, and new Stations of the Cross. While the work was underway, Masses and the sacraments were celebrated in the parish hall. The parish community joyfully returned to the renovated church for Mass on Easter Sunday 2026. On August 8, 2026—the Feast of Saint Dominic—Bishop Soto solemnly blessed the renovated church.
Through its ministries and the dedication of generations of parishioners, Saint Dominic continues to serve as a welcoming Catholic home for Orland and the surrounding area.
Through its ministries and the dedication of generations of parishioners, Saint Dominic continues to serve as a welcoming Catholic home for Orland and the surrounding area.
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