Did you know Saint Teresa Catholic Church moved? Yes it did. Saint Teresa’s story began long ago. It started in 1880 when Archbishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany wanted a parish not just a mission. He picked Father John Kemmery for Saint Teresa Catholic Church.
Initially, the church services were held in a hotel dining room. Later, they moved to a school at Twentieth and Third Streets. In 1881, Father Kemmey and the parishioners collected money. They bought land and a building for Saint Teresa Catholic Church.
Father Patrick O’Connell became the pastor after Father Kemmery. In 1892, they bought land at 19th and Tennessee Streets. Then they constructed a new church there for Saint Teresa Catholic Church.
A school for Saint Teresa Catholic Church was built at Pennsylvania Avenue and 19th Streets. In 1912, the Sisters of the Presentation moved into their new convent.
Father John Harnett became pastor after Father O’Connell died in 1917. He improved the church and rectory. By 1924, the location was not good. The population grew on the hill. So property was bought at 19th between Connecticut and Missouri Streets for Saint Teresa Catholic Church.
Here’s where the story gets interesting. The church was cut in two. It was moved and rejoined above a new social hall. The new rectory was built at 19th and Missouri Streets. Imagine seeing a church split and moved.
Father Thomas Heverin was appointed in 1929. But a fire in 1932 damaged Saint Teresa Catholic Church. All ethnic groups helped restore it. By 1933, a new church emerged.
From 1933 to 1936, Father John Hunt was pastor. Then Father Peter Flynn served for 31 years. Saint Teresa’s Church and School served the community for many years. Change came when Freeway 280 took land on Pennsylvania Ave. In 1967, the school was damaged because of the highway construction.
Father Harold O’Day replaced Monsignor Flynn in 1967. A new school was built on Connecticut Street. It was located between 20th and 19th Streets.
In 1970, Father Peter Sammon arrived. He served as pastor for 32 years. Father Sammon started three renovations. In 1974, the church exterior was updated. In the late 1980s, the altar was turned around. In 1993, a major renovation placed the altar in the church center.
More than buildings, the community grew. Under Father Sammon, the parish grew through adult education. They focused on liturgy and community needs.
In 1974, the school closed due to low enrollment. But the Presentation Sisters stayed committed. Sisters Kathleen and Lucia became Pastoral Associates.
Father Ed Murray became pastor after Father Sammon died. In 2005, Father Paul Warren became pastor. Sister Mary Pat White became Pastoral Associate. In 2008, Sister Maureen O’Brien took over.
Father Paul and Sister Maureen focused on community. They emphasized evangelization in the parish and Mission Bay. Saint Teresa Catholic Church has a long history of serving its community adapting to changes. From its humble beginnings in a hotel dining room to its current location. Saint Teresa Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community.