The Annual Blessing of the Bikes

I thought the  Blessing of the Bikes was an event that happened only locally. With the wonders of Google,  I learned that it's a tradition that takes place nationwide. According to Wikipedia, this event started in 1999 as a mass blessing of bicycles at a cathedral in New York City.

The local Bike Blessing is sponsored by the Hollister Top Hatters Motorcycle Club.  This year the event will take place on March 24. It starts with a check-in at Whiskey Creek Saloon on 5th and East Streets, between 11 a.m. and noon. The bikers then will proceed to Sacred Heart Church for the blessing ceremony.

Afterwards, the group will be holding a BBQ fundraiser at Bolado Park, in which proceeds go to the San Benito High School Scholarship Fund. The public is invited. Click here for the details.

February 18 to 24 theme for Take 25 to Hollister: Bikers, Motorcycles, and Hollister 

What Direction?

One of these days I'm going to remember to look for this particular spot in Tres Pinos so I can read what the sign says on that building. I had no idea there was a sign until I was cropping this photo. I took it a few months ago, most likely for the fact that the steeple of the Immaculate Conception was peeking over the roof and the birds were flying by high above it.

A View from Sunset Drive

I usually think of Sunset Drive in Hollister as the street where Hazel Hawkins Hospital and various medical offices are located. So, I'm always surprised at the sights when I'm walking or pedaling my bicycle on the eastern end of Sunset Drive. For example:

The view of St. Benedict Church from Sunset Drive.

Another View of the Spire

Yep. But, this time it's a close-up of the beautiful spire of Sacred Heart Church. Click here, here, and here for views of the church spire from afar.

Sacred Heart Church is one sturdy building. It was constructed in 1877, but not at its known location on the corner of Fifth and College Streets. That's right. According to Welcome to Historic Downtown Hollister, a brochure by Sharlene Van Rooy, the church was originally built on the corner of West and Sixth Streets. That's where the Dunne Park Clubhouse is today. The Gothic church was moved to Fifth Street in 1939.

100 Things I Like: The Sacred Heart Church Spire

In the early 1970s, downtown Hollister was still surrounded by orchards, orchards, and more orchards. During the spring, I liked to go up to Park Hill and see the forest of green, which included the trees lining the residential streets. Peeking over the trees was the white spire of Sacred Heart Church.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Mission San Juan Bautista

Mission San Juan Bautista is over 200 years old.  Amazing, huh. For more about the mission, start here.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: That Cute Church in Tres Pinos

Immaculate Conception. That's the name of the  church at the south end of Tres Pinos, on Highway 25. I ought to remember its name. After all, my parents had me baptized there when I was just a month old, 500 years  ago.

I've featured the church on Take 25 a couple years ago. Click here if you'd like to know why I like the church or want to see photos of inside the church and the church grounds.

This Sunday, October 16, 2011, the church is having its annual BBQ, from noon to 4 p.m. Cost for adult plates is $13; children's plate is less. To get an idea of what will take place, read about last year's event by clicking here.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

Gotta Sit Somewhere

St. Luke's Episcopal Church sits on the corner of Monterey and Seventh Streets. You can tell by its steeple that it's a cute building. What stopped me that afternoon was the bird. Do you see it?

New Life

May 16 to May 22 Theme:  The Little Details in Downtown Hollister

 Most, if not all, of the store fronts in downtown Hollister have been home to one or more businesses, nonprofit organizations, and/or churches. This store front with all the wonderful details is no different.

You'll find this building at the corner or Fourth and San Benito Streets. What's there now? If you know what used to be there before, please share.

Stained Glass Art at St. Benedict Church

St. Benedict Church on Fairview Road is a beautiful structure, both in and out. Check out the stained glass work on its doors. Do you recognize the image on this part of St. Benedict's door?

Mission San Juan Bautista

This week, I shall be taking you over to San Juan Bautista, which is just a short hop from Highway 25, heading west on Highway 156. 

Mission San Juan Bautista is the 15th of the 21 California missions, which were founded by Spanish Franciscan friars. It was established in 1797. The mission lies on the San Andreas Fault in the middle of San Juan Valley.  To learn more about the mission, check out its Web site.
 

Way of the Cross

One of the Stations of the Cross plaques at  St. Benedict's Church on Fairview Road in Hollister.

May your day be joyful in every way today.