Saint Rita's and Its Place in Marin County History
Graduation Date
Fall 1999
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
First Reader
Leslie Ross, PhD
Second Reader
Patricia Dougherty, OP, PhD
Abstract
This project documents the history and evolution of Saint Rita's Church in Fairfax, California from its establishment in 1916 to the present. The history of this early mission/church is discussed within the context of the growth and development of Marin County. The present day Saint Rita's Church, completed in 1953 was built to accommodate the expanding population of parishioners who came to Marin County during its growing years in the mid-twentieth century.
This study includes a brief sketch of Marin’s historical past, the enormous land grants which subdivided the vast picturesque wilderness, information about influential figures associated with Saint Rita's and the town of Fairfax, and detailed architectural descriptions of the church in various stages of its development to the present day.