What if I told you that a Catholic church in Los Angeles shares a unique bond with California’s last Mexican governor? This is the story of Assumption Roman Catholic Church. It is a congregation with a rich history.
Assumption Roman Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Its story began nearly as long ago as the area’s first settlers. The congregation is the third oldest in the city.
Early parishioners included members of the Pico family. Most notably Pio Pico was the last Mexican governor of California. His presence shaped the early identity of Assumption Roman Catholic Church.
The church faced challenges. Leaders rebuilt after a fire and the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake. Despite these setbacks, all structures remained within a one-block area. This area lies between Newlin and Pickering avenues and Penn and Wardman streets.
The original St. Mary’s Catholic Church was dedicated on July 9 1893. But tragedy struck on March 19 1912. A fire destroyed the church.
The second St. Mary’s Catholic Church opened on March 29 1914. It was later enlarged and remodeled in 1948. This second structure served the community until 1959. That year, the third and present church building opened.
Now let’s travel to Claremont. Here the parish had its beginnings in the citrus-picking barrio during the 1920s. Visiting priests from neighboring parishes celebrated Masses in private homes for the Spanish-speaking community.
In 1934, construction began on Sacred Heart Church and hall. These small structures were dedicated January 15 1939. They were designated as a mission church. After the Second World War, Claremont’s population boomed. The growing multi-ethnic community needed a larger facility.
On May 13 1947, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles created a separate parish for Claremont. At that time, one-third of the Catholic population was Anglo. In the summer of 1948, a citrus grove was acquired as a site. Construction of a new church began in January 1951. The first Masses were held there on October 28 of that year. Cardinal McIntyre formally blessed the completed church on January 2 1952, under heavy rains.
When the small Roman Catholic Chapel was established in Claremont, it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Eventually, the congregation outgrew the chapel. The Archdiocese granted permission to establish a parish church.
Two factors influenced the naming of the parish. First, a Sacred Heart Parish already existed in Pomona. This posed a problem of differentiation. Second, the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven had just been promulgated in 1950. Few churches bore that name. This offered an easy solution to avoid confusion.
So, in 1951, the parish was dedicated as “Our Lady of the Assumption”. The dedication followed a procession with the statue of the Sacred Heart from the old chapel to the new church. The original statue can still be seen in the candle room. Every June, it is moved to the front of the church to honor the Sacred Heart. The city used most of the chapel property for Claremont Boulevard. The remainder was donated to Habitat for Humanity.
The patronal feast day is now August 15. This replaced the Feast of the Sacred Heart. The solemnity replaced a pagan harvest festival. Mary is seen as the first gift received into heaven after the resurrection.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Pasadena welcomes all in the name of Jesus. They live out their faith as His Disciples. The church provides weekday and weekend Masses. Confessions are heard on Saturdays.
From its humble beginnings to its present-day role, Assumption Roman Catholic Church has touched countless lives. Its story embodies faith, resilience, and community. As you stand here, remember the echoes of the past and the enduring spirit of this sacred place.