By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (May 6, 2025)
COLOMA, Calif. — Two of El Dorado County’s most historic churches will reconnect this month through a special Rogation Day service honoring their shared Gold Rush-era heritage.
On Sunday, May 25, the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Placerville will lead a traditional Rogation Day procession and worship at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Coloma. The service, beginning at 10 a.m., will be conducted by the Rev. Debra Sabino, rector of Our Saviour, using the 19th-century liturgy once followed by the Rev. Charles Caleb Peirce.
“This is a meaningful way to honor our history and offer blessings for the land, the people, and the community,” said Rev. Sabino, who has led the Placerville parish since 2014.
A Legacy of Faith and Resilience
The Church of Our Saviour was founded in 1861 by Rev. Peirce, who initially held services in Placerville’s courthouse after failing to locate the earlier St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. In 1865, he oversaw the construction of the Carpenter Gothic-style church on Coloma Street, which remains the oldest continuously operating church building in El Dorado County
Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Coloma, built in 1855, holds the distinction of being California’s first Episcopal church building. It hosted the funeral of James Marshall, discoverer of gold at Sutter’s Mill, in 1885 . The church was nearly lost to debt in the 19th century but was saved by a personal donation from Bishop William Ingraham Kip, California’s first Episcopal bishop. Today, it is part of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and has been recently restored to its mid-19th-century appearance.
What Is Rogation Day?
Rogation Days are an ancient Christian tradition observed in the days leading up to Ascension Day. The term “rogation” comes from the Latin rogare, meaning “to ask.” Historically, congregations would process through fields and towns, praying for blessings on crops, livestock, and the wellbeing of their communities .
In modern practice, Rogation services often extend blessings to those working in agriculture, food service, public safety, healthcare, and government. The upcoming service in Coloma will reflect this broader focus while honoring the liturgical traditions of the 19th century.
Event Details
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Date & Time: Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m.
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Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Church Street, Coloma, CA
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Pre-Service Procession: Along Coloma’s Main Street
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Officiant: Rev. Debra Sabino, Rector of Church of Our Saviour
All are welcome to attend this special service. For more information about the Church of Our Saviour and its weekly services, visit oursaviourplacerville.org.
