Grand Island Shrine

Grand Island Shrine is a historic place on the National Register. It can be found in Colusa County, California at State Route 45 between Buster and Earp Roads. It is south of Sycamore to be more precise. The shrine was built in 1883. It has on the front a plaque stating "Little Shrine, Site of First Catholic Mass 1856". The plaque also states the shrine was dedicated by Colus Parlor 194 and the Native Daughters of the Golden West. The shrine's dedication was May 1957.

As the sign indicates the Grand Island Shrine is a place marker for the first Catholic Mass held in Colusa County. A little under 10 years from the first mass a Catholic Mission was started and a wooden cross was built to commemorate the first mass. Masses, visits, and pilgrimages have been made to the site since 1864. The idea to preserve the site was started by Father Michael Wallrath. He obtained a deed from Mrs. Anna Myers. She gave the parcel of land and helped construct a small shrine from bricks. The site can be visited for free, though the first cross was replaced by a Knights of Columbus cross.