National Register of Historic Places in Colusa County
19 February 2011
19 February 2011
25 September 2006
19 February 2011
(Click Photo to Zoom)
Grand Island Shrine
State Route 45 Between Buster and Earp Roads
Sycamore
Shrine Built 1883
On a rural stretch of State Route 45 in a lonely grove surrounded by fields, stand a small chapel and a large cross reminiscent of shrines built in Europe long ago to provide solace to pilgrims, shepherds and outcasts in the wilderness.
I can't think of another place like this in California.
A plethora of plaques enlightens the visitor.
Mounted on a stone base at the entrance to the grove:
Grand Island Shrine
Site of the first Catholic mass to be said in Colusa County, May 1856. In 1864, a Catholic mission was conducted and a large wooden cross erected to commemorate the occasion. Masses, pilgrimages and visits were made here continuously thereafter. In order to preserve the identity of the place, Father Michael Wallrath secured a deed from Mrs. Anna Myers to this parcel of land and constructed a small shrine from hand kilned bricks in 1883.
State of California
Point of Historical Interest
No. COL-001
Mounted on a stick at the entrance to the grove:
Welcome to the Site of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Site of the first Eucharist celebrated in Colusa County in May, 1856, Rev. Peter Magagnotto, C. P., presiding.
The present cross, erected by the Knights of Columbus, replaces the one first erected here in 1864. The shrine itself was built by Rev. Michael Wallrath, the first pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
The Eucharist is celebrated here on the last Sunday of April and on Thanksgiving Day (weather permitting).
You are welcome to pray here. Any other activity is allowed only by permission of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Colusa.
Mounted on the front of the chapel:
"Little Shrine"
Site of first Catholic mass in Colusa County
May 1856
May 1957
Mounted on the base of the cross:
Grand Island Cross 1864
Restored in 1924 by the Knights of Columbus
Colusa Council No. 2145