San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Grace Episcopal Gallery — Attraction in Boulder Creek

Historical plaque inscription: The building stands in the original town of Lorenzo, laid out by sawmill owner Joseph Peery, who included a “no whiskey” clause in each lot’s deed. In 1885 Boulder Creek was chosen for the terminus of the railroad from Felton, and after a fire devastated Lorenzo in 1897, Boulder Creek prevailed. During aggressive clashes over restricting liquor, gambling and prostitution, Peery’s mill was torched, as were the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, hence this building is the oldest surviving building in Boulder Creek. Grace Mission was established in May 1905 and this land was purchased. Arthur Darwall, who conducted services, and his son, are credited with the building construction. Opening services, November 1906, were held by Archdeacon Emery of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. When congregation numbers dwindled, Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond parishes were consolidated and Grace Episcopal closed. The building lay unused for several years until purchased in 1923 by the Christian Science Society. Isaiah Hartman loaned over half of the $1000 required. In 1955 the Society attained church status and the name was officially changed to First Church of Christ Scientist, Boulder Creek and in 1978, the Church was officially dedicated. In 1995, the property was sold to the Boulder Creek Historical Society to house the San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s collections. It opened to the...

You can't put into words how I feel everytime I just look at a picture. I cry every time I do inside. I will until I see Father Victor McKinley Walne. I miss him so much. I see him every time I'm there. I remembered how loved he and his wife Ada were. Oh how she loved the kids. That was unfortunately the last time I saw him in his service before they went on their last mission to New Guinea. He was going to marry me in a private service when the returned. That uspet me dearly. You need to know Father Walne and Ada walne are my grandparents. I was their 1st...

Interesting, simple, old building and historic objects. A lot of items aren't labeled but they you give one a good feel for the historical industry of the area. Free with a donation box, no pressure. Pleasant place to stop and eat your lunch on the grass under the cherry trees (provided you brought...