Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church

Can you imagine a church built on a former celery field? Right here, at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, that’s exactly what happened. Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of its community. It’s a beacon of faith, built on the dreams and hard work of its people. In the 1920s, two women, Mrs. Myerscough and Mrs. Crossfield, found the journey to their parish in Wilmington too arduous. They dreamt of a church closer to their Harbor City homes. Their first petition to Bishop Cantwell failed. Undeterred, they gathered more support, this time including Lomita residents. In 1925, Bishop Cantwell granted their wish, establishing a mission church. The early days of Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church were marked by resilience. Mass was held in a borrowed hall, cleaned and prepared by parishioners after Saturday night dances. Ushers stood guard against anti-Catholic sentiment that threatened the fledgling community. Eventually, a small wooden church was built on Lomita Boulevard, surrounded by celery fields. The growing community again appealed to the Bishop, and in 1937, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church officially became a parish. Father Timothy Lynch was appointed the first pastor. The parish continued to grow under Father John Hegarty, who oversaw the building of a new church, school, convent, rectory, and parish hall on the very site we stand today. Interestingly, the land was acquired through a creative maneuver involving a non-parishioner and a Protestant real estate broker. Father Hegarty believed in debt-free construction, fundraising tirelessly before each project. The church, completed in 1954, could hold the entire parish, a testament to Father Hegarty’s foresight. Families donated windows, altar pieces, and statues, each element a personal contribution to their shared spiritual home. The church was renovated in 1980 and again in 2001, reflecting the evolving needs of the community. St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church also boasts a rich history of community events, including the Lomita Fair, a testament to the parish’s enduring spirit. The story of Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about faith, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of a community. It’s a story that continues to unfold, written by each new generation who gather here.