History of the Chapel
Rancho Tinaquaic and The Chapel of San Ramon
by John R. Wickenden, Rancher, Rancho Tinaquaic/Wickenden Ranch
Located just east of Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County in a land of rolling hills and small valleys punctuated by alder and oak trees is the Rancho Tinaquaic (“little stream”), a Mexican land grant William Benjamin Foxen obtained in 1837.
…Arriving in Santa Barbara in 1817, Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain, soon became prominent in the affairs of the day. In 1827, he landed a schooner, or goleta, from a nearby inlet. The name for the area carried on and today, the city of “Goleta” owes its name to this event.
Don Julian, as Foxen became known, met and married Eduarda del Carmen Osuna in 1831. As he converted to Catholicism and became a Mexican citizen, he was eligible for a land grant, and obtained the “Tinaquaic.” He built an adobe in the canyon that now bears his name. It was her, in 1846, that Foxen hosted Lt. Col. John C. Fremont’s battalion as they made their way south in a campaign to “take” California from Mexico. After a brief stay at the Rancho Tinaquaic, Lt. Col Fremont was lead by Foxen’s son Guillermo over the San Marcos Pass, avoiding an ambush in Gaviota and taking Santa Barbara by surprise with no blood shed. Less than one month later, John Freemont accepted the surrender of the Californias at Cahuenga Pass.
Three miles from Benjamin Foxen’s adobe and still standing is the Frederick and Romona Wickenden Adobe. Built by Frederick Wickenden with the help of local Indians in 1860, only the center of the current house is actually built of adobe. Frederick Wickenden was native of England, born in Portsmouth November 18, 1825. At the age of 25, he traveled to Peru, where he superintended the construction of a railroad. He later journeyed up the west coast and finally settled here, where he raised sheep. In 1860, he married Romona Foxen, the daughter of Benjamin Foxen. Their nine children (six sons and three daughters) were raised on the ranch; all but three were born in the adobe.
The original “Wickenden Adobe” was remodeled and enlarged in 1880 with redwood siding to protect the adobe bricks. The house stands today much as id did over 140 years ago. After Fred Wickenden built his house, he added a store room against the west facade. from this addition, he operated a general merchandise business and post office for about 40 years. As the Wickenden Adobe acted as a stagecoach stop between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, it became both a commercial and social center for the surrounding area.
A short distance away, on a hilly prominence, stands the Chapel of San Ramon, built in 1875 by the Wickenden family. The year 1875 was a very dry year with almost not grass in Santa Barbara County. Frederick Wickenden drove his sheep north in search of feed and found grass in the Salinas Valley. Driving them on to Redwood City, he sold them for one dollar each. With the money, he purchased redwood lumber at the mills and arranged for it to be shipped to Port Harford, near the town of Avila Beach. The lumber was loaded into wagons and “teamed” to the ranch. There was lumber to build the church so desperately needed by the community. Inspired by Reverend McNally of the Mission Santa Ynez, Frederick Wickenden, Thomas Foxen, and Chris Lawson are thought to have done most of the work themselves. Once completed, it was consecrated as the Chapel of San Ramon. Benjamin Foxen’s body was moved to the new church’s cemetery where one can see Foxen’s tombstone, a marble shaft meant to replicate the broken mast of a ship.
In his later years, Frederick Wickenden was known to his friends as “The Old Gentleman.” a title which his gracious and kindly manners earned him. Frederick Wickenden died in 1918 at the age of 93.
The house and Rancho Tinaquaic are currently owned and enjoyed by descendants of Frederick and Romona Wickenden.
1872
The property where the San Ramon Chapel and cemetery is located is purchased from the US Government by Frederick and Ramona (Foxen) Wickenden and donated for the church site.
1875
The property where the San Ramon Chapel and cemetery is located is purchased from the US Government by Frederick and Ramona (Foxen) Wickenden and donated for the church site.
1876
The coffin containing the remains of Benjamin Foxen is moved to the chapel cemetery.
1879
The chapel is placed under the patronage of San Raymond Nonnatus (San Ramon), patron saint of agriculture and farming, by Bishop Francis Mora. The chapel is dedicated as the San Ramon Chapel. Services are held once a month.
1908
The San Ramon Chapel is turned over to the newly established Saint Mary’s Parish in Santa Maria. Father Terns discontinues regular services. From 1908 until 1933, the chapel is used only for an occasional funeral or baptism.
1936
After being reroofed and painted, the chapel is reeducated by of ground of Santa Barbara citizens let by R.E. Easton.
1950
A plaque is erected by the Daughters of the Golden West (Santa Maria Parlor #276). They designated the chapel the Benjamin Foxen Memorial Chapel.
1958
A project is initiated by Winston Wickenden to restore the chapel. The original wood post footings are replaced with a concrete block foundation.
1959
The Benjamin Foxen Memorial Chapel committee reports that the restoration work has been completed.
1966
The Benjamin Foxen Memorial Chapel becomes the first historical landmark in Santa Barbara County.
1972
A group of local citizens, concerned with deterioration and vandalism, formed the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee. Lighting in the chapel is installed.
1974
A chain link fence is erected around the chapel and cemetery to deter vandals.
1975
On Sunday, August 31, the San Ramon Chapel (renamed) is dedicated as California State historical Landmark #877. The Santa Maria Cemetery Association which holds the title to the property, paints the outside of the chapel before the dedication. Mass is celebrated by Father Bertin Foxen, the great grandson of Benjamin Foxen. In December, a steel gate closing the road to the chapel is installed and dedicated the John W. Woolsey Memorial Gate.
1976
In March, the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee is incorporated as a non-profit organization with Winston Wickenden as president. On November 14, at 10:30am. Father Anthony Runtz resumes weekly mass at the chapel.
1978
The chapel is reroofed. Replacement frames and new glass for the top arches of all six windows are installed.
1979
The first BBQ combined with the Rancho Sisquoc Winery Tour is held at the Sisquoc Grange. Proceeds from the BBQ go to the preservation committee.
1983
The preservation committee agrees to restore the chapel at a cost of $12,154. The chapel is raised and a new concrete foundation is installed. The original church benches are replaced and the old benches sold. The Santa Maria Cemetery Association approaches the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee about leasing the chapel and cemetery grounds for a period of 99 years for $1. The preservation committee turns down the offer.
1984
The chapel is painted inside and out, the road graded, and windows are replaced. Wrought iron bars are purchased and installed on all windows and doors. Light fixtures are donated by Myron and Lorraine Bettencourt. The deed to the property is transferred to the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee from the Santa Maria Cemetery District.
1985
An electric heater is installed in the chapel. Charles Maurer, and Easgle Scout, maps the cemetery. The map is framed and hung at the back of the chapel.
1986
Blacktop is installed on the entrance road to the chapel. Stations of the Cross are donated by Drew Crosby.
1987
The chapel is painted by David McNeil. A letter is drafter and sent to Father Garcia at Saint Louis de Montfort church offering ownership of the chapel and cemetery.
1988
The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles indicates that they will not be responsible for the chapel and cemetery. Erlinda Pertusi Ontiveros agrees to write a book titled “San Ramon Chapel Pioneers and their California Heritage.” Proceeds to go to the preservation committee. A water will is drilled at the chapel site.
1990
The Santa Barbara Foundation awards a grant of $5,000 to go toward the publication of “San Ramon Chapel Pioneers and their California Heritage.”
1994
The San Ramon Beautification Project is okayed by the preservation committee. Parts of the fence are replaced with a decorative steel fence. White crosses are placed at all unmarked grave sites. Broken grave markers are repaired and the cemetery is thoroughly cleaned. A permanent bathroom facility is installed. A birthday party is held at the chapel celebrating Erlinda Ontiveros’ 100th birthday.
1996
The parking lot of the chapel is paved. A Memorial Rose Garden is planted.
1999
The chapel is reroofed. Three prior layers of shingles are removed (including the original wood shingles), the roof is sheeted and a new roof installed. The top four feet of the two towers are replaced. Two new crosses are installed. The chapel is repainted by David McNeil.
2008
All the arched windows were replaced with new custom, wood windows crafted by A Grand Entrance of Los Osos.
2011
The steps to the main entrance were clad with Santa Barbara stone as a gift to the chapel from a local, stone mason for his wedding.
2012
With funds donated by Steve and Marie Will and with the design/supervision by preservation committee president, James Halsell (Halsell Builders), a complete restoration of chapel was begun. The original rough sawn redwood lumber that lay under the siding was removed and replaced with modern, structurally-sound sheer material. This lumber, originally installed in 1875, had never been painted and was hidden inside the walls of San Ramon Chapel for 137 years. A substantial amount of this lumber was salvaged and found a new home adorning the walls at Riverbench Tasting Room in Santa Barbara. Some of this wood was also crafted into commemorative plaques by Joe Reinartz and sold with proceeds going to the chapel. The restoration was completed in December of 2012.
2013
Saturday, February 3rd, a fundraiser dinner was held in the La Gracious Banquet Room Far Western Tavern for the chapel’s hardscaping/landscaping beautification project. The fundraiser committee was made up of preservation committee members as well as representatives from Riverbench Winery, Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Bien Nacido, and Cambria Winery. Wines from all over the region were served/donated. Proceeds from ticket sales and silent/live auction items were approximately $30,000.
2014
Nishimori Landscape & Design designed and installed chapel’s new hardscaping/landscaping. A significant portion of their work was donated.
2014
Landscape lighting was installed with a design donated by Dave Relyea, as well as, “friends and family” pricing on the products.
2014
A sound system with outdoor speakers were installed with a design donated by Brian Duncan, as well as, “friends and family” pricing on the products.
2015
The bathroom interior was painted by Halsell Builders with white walls and a blue ceiling to coordinate with the inside of the chapel and to freshen its appearance.
2015
A Message Center Cork Board Sign was installed at the entrance to the grounds by the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee.
2016
The statue of San Ramon was commissioned by the preservation committee of artists Carl Paulsen & Stephen Plowman. The donors for this statue are named on a plaque installed below it. It was installed on Sunday, Janurary 15, 2017 with a dedication ceremony of the statue and donor plaques after mass on Sunday, April 15, 2018.
2017
In the evening on March 25, a fundraiser hymns concert called “Songs, Stories & Syrah” was held at the chapel. Chris Beland played songs from his new album Gospel Hymns No. 5 and Fr. Aidan Peter, the pastor at St. Louis de Montfort, introduced each song. Local wine was donated. Chef Rick Manson and Toffee Addiction donated food. Proceeds went to the the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee.
2017
On September 22, the bathroom was accessorized with a new mirror, corner cabinet, hooks, and artwork by the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee, just in time for the second hymns concert.
2017
The first hymns concert was such a success that in the evening on September 22, the second “Songs, Stories & Syrah" concert was held at the chapel. Chris Beland played songs from his latest hymn’s album Ville du Havre and again Fr. Aidan Peter introduced each song. Local wine was donated. Chef Rick Manson donated food and the preservation committee made steak sandwiches. Proceeds went to the the preservation committee for the well drilling project.
2018
Donor plaques for Steve and Marie Will, Halsell Builders, Statue of San Ramon Donors were installed by the Mike Woloshansky, of the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee.
2018
A blessing and dedication of the statue of San Ramon and donor plaques was held after mass on Sunday, April 15. The celebrant was Fr. Aidan Peter, pastor of St. Louis de Montfort Church. Chris Beland donated his musical talents, the artists were in attendance, and donors/parishioners attended and enjoyed refreshments, music, and fellowship.
2018
In February, a new water well was drilled near the old well. The previous well had dried up and the water was being trucked in for two years. Richard Alexander’s company, A&A Pump and Well Service of Buellton did the work. Funds for the project were provided by a $20,000 donation from Peter & Stephanie Nolan and a $10,000 capital grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation. A plaque for the Nolan’s was installed at the well site.
2018
After mass on Sunday August 26th, a time capsule was placed under the statue of San Ramon and the opening sealed. It contained notes/items from preservation committee members and parishioners. Attendees enjoyed coffee and sweet treats. It is to be opened 50 years from now on August 26th of 2068.
2019
On May 7, the Patio String Lighting Project began it’s installation. This project was initiated by the preservation committee to provide lighting for evening events.
2020
A storage building was designed and built off the parking lot next to the water tank by the San Ramon Chapel Preservation Committee President, Mike Woloshansky. The building is designed as a miniature of the chapel.
2022
The chapel exterior was fully repainted. Cruz Hernandez Painting did the paint job and gave the chapel a large discount/donation.