OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CHURCH

The founding of Mission San Jose as the first Catholic outpost in Alameda County has been followed by the founding of other churches such as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Decoto.

In April 1907, the first mass was offered in Decoto in a hall located at 10th and I streets, owned by Albert Silva.  On October 13, 1907, the first mass was offered in the new mission church at 13th and H Streets by Fr. Governo of Holy Ghost Church in Centerville.  The new church was dedicated to the Holy Rosary and was thusly named.  It is now known as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and the canonical parish was given that name when Rev. Father Ralph Duggan became administrator in August 1950.  He resided at the Parish house in Niles for a few weeks until he moved to establish residence at the rear of the church located at 13th and H Streets.

On October 17, 1952, the church was destroyed by fire and mass was offered in the recreation hall located at 6th and C Streets, which is used as the present church.  In addition to the church, a school was purchased from the Decoto School District in 1953.  It is located adjacent to the parish house and parish church.  Rev. Thomas C. Reilly and Associate Rev. Ronald Burke took charge of Decoto church in 1956.

In the early history of the parish, Holy Ghost fiestas were held annually for a few years, after which they were dispensed with and the fiestas were combined with the Niles Parish.