Port Costa in the late 1800’s was a boisterous and roisterous place along the Straits when the Dominican Fathers from Benicia began to cross over to conduct services for the many Catholics living in the town. Warehouses and docks lined the shore with as many as 500 railcars of grain arriving a day. At the peak of any grain season, there would be about 3000 men seeking a quick dollar on the ships, docks and warehouses. The influx was predominately Irish from Galway, Cork and Kerry. Without a church, mass was held wherever space could be obtained. For example, as reported in the Contra Costa Gazette of September 15, 1883, “Mass was celebrated and a sermon was preached by Rev. Fr. Dyson, O.P., of Benicia. The dining room at the Crowley and Casey’s boarding house was arranged as a temporary chapel for the service. Actually “wheat” and George Washington McNear Sr. had much to do with bringing the first catholic church to Port Costa. By 1872 rumors were persistent that the railroad would come through the hamlet at the end of Bull Valley. Land speculators joined ranchers, farmers, grain shippers and industrialists in considering the future of the hamlet. McNear, a financier, ship owner, land baron, wheat grower and shipper, “discovered” Bull Valley about the time the railroad came through. He bought 4000 acres including most of the Piper Ranch and all of Bull Valley. By the time he forked over $100,000 for the land the railroad was completed and out little hamlet was now known as Port Costa. On September 25, 1877, the first passenger train with Leland Stanford aboard passed through on its way to Martinez. “Wheat” had replaced “gold” as a method of quick enrichment. In 1880 several wharves were erected at Port Costa making “a lesser-known hamlet” spring into notoriety as a shipping point and made famous where the mammoth steamer Solano lands the western bound trains from the Atlantic.” Grain from all over northern California made its way to Port Costa for transshipment to Europe. The newspaper also noted that George McNear has donated land for a church and that subscriptions would be opened to pay for the new structure.

The first St. Patrick Church was dedicated on Sunday, Feb 3, 1884. It seated 200 people and cost a total of $1500. Although records are unclear, it appears that the 1884 structure either burned or blew down and a newspaper entry dated July 1893 seems to verify old-timers stories of the building or repair of a church structure.

A Contra Costa Gazette dated July 2, 1898 noted, “Men are engaged tearing down the Catholic Church, as a new and larger edifice will be erected on the present site as soon as the ground is cleared. The new church was dedicated on October 23, 1898. Designed by Rev. Raymond Johns, O.P., a trained architect, the church is in Gothic Style and cost $7000. Dedication was by Dominican Provincial Rev. Pius Murphy, O.P. with solemn High Mass sung by the Rev. Francis Sadoc Welch, O.P., pastor of St. Dominic Church in Benicia. Thus, began the next 100 years of service to the Catholic Community. Over the years hard-working parishioners have supported their church. Funds were raised through bake sales, carnivals, a memorial fund and well-known corned beef dinners. For years the church’s major financial support was derived from parishioners’ contribution and the aforementioned festivities. St. Patrick’s Altar Society played an important roll in the parish and continues to do so.

When first built, the 1898 church had a “bare bones” area under the church but nothing in the way of real basement or “hall” to use for church functions. After considerable discussion with both Crockett and Port Costa member, Fr. E.B. Kenny, O.P., implemented plans to raise the necessary funds to provide for the remodeling. For example, Leo Council #86, YMI, planned a two-night benefit for Oct. 30, 1914. The “Signal” reported, “Extensive repairs are to be made to the present building, such as raising it and providing for a roomy basement wherein the social side of church life may be enjoyed. The undertaking will require a large sum of money and it hoped the proceeds from the two nights of entertainment will go a long way toward financing the work.” On Saturday night there was an operetta presented with a cast of public-school children. The entertainment both nights took place at the Port Costa school house. By March 24, 1916, the basement had been fitted up as an assembly hall, under the direction of Fr. Kenny, and dedicated shortly after Lent with the dedicatory ceremonies under the auspices of the Young Men’s Institute.

St. Patrick Church never had a resident priest, and for many years, it was a “chapel-of-ease with a pastor of St. Dominic Church in Benicia serving Port Costa. Each Sunday, a Dominican priest from Benicia crossed the straits, usually on the ferry, Solano or by rowboat, to say Mass in Port Costa. Sometimes after services in Port Costa, the priest would take the train or travel along the new “Snake Road” to Crockett where a second Mass was celebrated in available space for the pioneer families until 1892 when Crockett built its own church building.

By 1980 it was evident that St. Patrick Church in Port Costa, over eight decades, was badly in need of repairs, and many parishioners feared their revered, picturesque structure would be closed. A massive restoration was completed due primarily to the efforts of Fr. Jerry Gottenbos, O.M.I., pastor of St. Rose Church in Crockett and St. Patrick Mission Church. The Oakland Diocese was contacted for help and a restoration estimate was submitted and a grant authorized. To assure authenticity, a historical architect, Tom Butt was consulted. Joe Garavaglia, a local contractor was contacted, and under his direction the restoration was completed. Other capable community craftsmen replaced the roof, and others provided necessary carpentry skills and expertise. Family members of original donors of the beautiful stained-glass windows paid for their restoration. Since 1955 priests of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate have served St. Patrick Mission from St. Rose of Lima Parish, Crockett.

Father time and the weather elements continue to take their toll on this beautiful, historical edifice, but the indomitable people of Port Costa, in keeping with the spirit of their pioneer predecessors, strive to keep their church magnificent and open.

                                           -- Researched by Keith Olsen