Hollywood’s heart holds a secret. It is not a movie premiere, but a sacred space. Welcome to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Founded in 1904, Blessed Sacrament started small. The first church held only 250 people. It stood on Hollywood Boulevard, then called Prospect Avenue.
By 1919, the church was too small. Enrollment at the parish school soared. It jumped from 17 to 140 students. The parish needed more space.
In 1921, the parish bought land on Sunset Boulevard. The price was $75,000. A Hollywood real estate boom helped the church. It sold the old property for $300,000.
Thomas Franklin Power designed the new Blessed Sacrament Church. He chose an Italian Renaissance style. The school opened in 1923. It accommodated 370 students. Power then designed the church. He adapted the Basilican style. The roof was tile, unlike typical Roman churches. The interior arches recalled San Paolo and St. Clement Basilicas in Rome.
Blessed Sacrament Church was dedicated in June 1928. Its chimes tower rose 223 feet. The exterior was ornate. It could seat 1400 people. Blessed Sacrament quickly became a Hollywood landmark.
The Great Depression delayed interior work. Italian artist Carlo Wostry painted the Stations of the Cross. He began in 1930 and finished in 1932. J. Earl Trudeau completed the interior design in 1954. He chose a simpler treatment.
Fr Cornelius McCoy served as pastor for 25 years. He started in 1932. He oversaw the church’s completion. By 1957, the parish had 6000 members.
Blessed Sacrament has strong ties to the movie business. In the 1920s studios helped raise funds for the new church. Universal and Keystone provided actors and equipment. The church hosted the biggest bazaar in cinema town in 1926. Movie stars donated gorgeous articles. Wealthy people in other industries also contributed.
The first professional organization for Hollywood screenwriters and actors formed here. Blessed Sacrament hosted the annual parade of Catholic movie stars. Loretta Young, Irene Dunne, and Ricardo Montalbán attended.
Many celebrity weddings and funerals took place here. Bing Crosby married Dixie Lee at Blessed Sacrament. The church hosted Russ Columbo’s funeral. Bing Crosby, Gilbert Roland, and Zeppo Marx were pallbearers. John Wayne’s daughters married here. The funerals of Mario Lanza, Mack Sennett, John Ford, and Leo G. Carroll were held here.
Blessed Sacrament has also been a shooting location. A scene in L.A. Confidential was filmed here. An episode of ER also used the church. Lil Pump filmed a music video at the school.
In 2000, Blessed Sacrament received a Getty preservation grant. This helped preserve the historic building.
In 2004, Blessed Sacrament celebrated its 100th anniversary. Cardinal Roger Mahony presided over the Mass. It was celebrated in three languages.
The Center at Blessed Sacrament provides social services. It assists those in need. The center is governed by an independent board.
After 100 years, the Jesuits departed Blessed Sacrament in January 2024. Blessed Sacrament stands as a testament to faith. It is a landmark in Hollywood. Its history intertwines with the movie industry and the community. It continues to serve all in need.