Calistoga’s Places of Worship: from The White Church to the Brannan Center

June 17, 2026 - September 30, 2026

Church (noun)

The word church typically refers to a building used for Christian worship, or an organized group of Christian believers. Biblically, the word derives from the Greek term ekklesia (used in the New Testament), which translates to “a called-out assembly” or gathering of people.* The English word church traces back to the Late Greek phrase kyriakon, meaning “the Lord’s house” or “belonging to the Lord.” Over centuries of language evolution, this evolved into the Old English cirice and eventually church.

Whatever one’s religious affiliation, for many people, a church plays a highly significant role over an entire lifespan, virtually from cradle to grave. Baptisms, first communions, weddings, funerals and more all take place in churches, to celebrate new life, the joining of two people as a sacred commitment, to reflect on a life well lived and grieve our deepest losses, together - linked by a common faith.

Calistoga’s first place of worship, The White Church, was the first church in Napa County. Built in 1853, as the earliest settlers were staking out homesteads in this region, this simple house of worship appeared almost a decade before Sam Brannan’s hot springs resort and over thirty years before the City of Calistoga was incorporated. Many other churches soon followed, representing a diverse range of religious beliefs. Despite their differences, what they had in common is that they were instrumental in building a strong sense of community, tradition, continuity and core values as our town was being formed.

This special exhibit delves into the historical background of how some of  these places of worship came to be, the personalities behind them, and the role they continue to play in the lives of Calistogans.

-        Eden Umble, Special Exhibit Chair/Curator                         June 16, 2026