Have you noticed the striking bell tower? That is Saint Andrews Church. Founded in 1886, Saint Andrews Church is the oldest Catholic parish in Pasadena. It is also one of the oldest in Los Angeles County. The Romanesque Revival campanile bell tower is a landmark. It is visible for miles.
In 1927, the current Saint Andrews Church was built. Its architecture draws inspiration from early Christian churches of the Byzantine era. The interior replicates the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome. The facade mirrors Santa Maria in Cosmedin, also in Rome.
Ross Montgomery was the architect. Msgr. McCarthy was the church’s pastor. They traveled to Italy. They studied Byzantine architecture. Their collaboration created a monument. It serves as a place of worship.
The Los Angeles Times praised their dedication. They said Saint Andrews Church would remain a monument to their memory. In 1930, the Los Angeles Times described Saint Andrews as a jeweled crown. It sits on the head of a Byzantine queen. The Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles calls Saint Andrews an early Christian fabric. It has a Romanesque campanile.
Carlo Wostry was an Italian painter. He created murals and stations of the cross inside Saint Andrews Church. He considered these works his crowning achievement. Wostry dedicated five years to the interior. He worked at the church and in a Hollywood Hills studio. Parishioners loved Wostry’s work. They raised funds for him to paint the chapel. In 1935, the Los Angeles Times called Wostry’s murals a revelation. They called them the best in any church in the Americas.
Father Patrick Harnett founded the parish. He was assigned from the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles. Before that, Catholics traveled to San Gabriel Mission or Downtown Los Angeles for Mass. The first Mass was at a hotel. It was at Fair Oaks and Colorado Streets.
Msgr. John Michael McCarthy served as pastor for 26 years. He was known as the adobe priest. He was also known as the padre of the boulevard. He walked Pasadena’s streets. He offered counsel and gifts to those in need. His successor said the street became his sanctuary.
Bishop Joseph T. McGucken succeeded Msgr. McCarthy. He served from 1944 to 1955. Msgr. James Hourihan served as pastor for 27 years. He published a history of Saint Andrews parish in 1986.
In 1897, the parish opened a Catholic school. It was first called the Academy of Holy Names. Later, it was renamed St. Andrew Catholic School. Pope Pius XII visited Saint Andrews Church and School when he was a cardinal.
Today, Saint Andrews Church stands as a testament to history. It also shows architectural grandeur. It remains a beacon of cultural and spiritual heritage. It is right here in Pasadena.