“Cathedral on 30th Street” some call it. Let’s delve into the story of Saint Patrick Catholic Church. It has been a North Park landmark since 1922.
The need for a new Catholic parish grew after World War I. The diocese chose Father Gregory Ashe to lead the new Saint Patrick’s Parish in 1921. A parish hall and rectory were ready the next year.
The first Mass was held in the Parish Hall on February 5 1922. This hall served until the completion of Saint Patrick’s Church in 1929. People considered it one of Southern California’s most beautiful churches.
Saint Patrick School opened in 1944. It still offers high-quality Catholic education. The Western Catholic Education Association accredits the school. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges also does. The school focuses on developing every aspect of a child. This includes mind body and spirit. It supports parents as primary educators. The school spreads the Gospel message of love unity and reconciliation. Building relationships with Jesus and each other is essential. The Augustinian Order enriches the school with their values. These values are truth community and love.
Father Gregory Ashe started as pastor in 1921. He served until 1925. Father Thomas Healy replaced him. He was the parish’s second pastor. He was also the first Augustinian. Both Fathers Ashe and Healy were born in Ireland.
Father John Daley succeeded Father Healy. He was born in Massachusetts. He served in two East Coast parishes. Then he was assigned to Saint Patrick’s.
Father Daley saw that the original church was too small. The Ray Street building was more of a hall. It held just over a hundred people. By the mid-1920s a new church was needed.
San Diego thrived in the 1920s. North Park’s community grew. Businesses flourished. Optimism was high. Father Daley led the parish to build a magnificent church. It would be Romanesque in style. They would use the best architecture and artistry. Frank Hope was the architect. The M.H. Golden company handled construction. The contract was signed on October 15 1928. Work began quickly.
The church was finished by Easter Sunday 1929. It only took about six months. The dedication was in September 1929. The structure cost $37000. Interior additions brought the total to around $60000. Father Daley and the parishioners were proud. The next step was a school. But the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression intervened.
The parish survived the Depression. The school had to wait. But the bills were paid. The church on 30th Street flourished. North Park was proud of its beautiful church. Many sacrifices kept the parish going.
San Diego became a separate diocese in 1936. Charles Francis Buddy became bishop. Every diocese needs a cathedral. Bishop Buddy admired Saint Patrick’s Church. He also liked the growing affluent neighborhood. He wanted to take over the parish. The Augustinians and parishioners disagreed. Saint Joseph’s Church downtown became the cathedral. Saint Patrick’s remained as it was.
Father Daley served as pastor for 15 years. This was the longest term in Saint Patrick’s history. After leaving he served several parishes in Massachusetts. He retired to Merrimack College in 1968. He lived there until his death at age 90.
Today Saint Patrick Catholic Parish offers a supportive community. There are many chances for personal growth. Prayers for peace happen on Tuesdays. The Legion of Mary meets on Wednesdays. There is also a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. Saint Patrick’s has been part of North Park since 1922. The community is welcome to join the parish family.