“Rest in peace” takes on new meaning here at Calvary Cemetery. This Roman Catholic cemetery is run by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It’s also called “New Calvary Cemetery”. The cemetery is in East Los Angeles. It succeeded the original Calvary Cemetery. Cathedral High School was built over the original.
Calvary Cemetery spans 137 acres. It was dedicated in 1896. Before this new site, the original Calvary Cemetery served Los Angeles. It was near the first church. Important people were buried there. These included Gen. Andrés Pico and Don Abel Stearns.
As Los Angeles grew, so did the old Calvary Cemetery. A chapel was built there. It honored Andrew Briswalter. In 1896, a bigger cemetery was needed. So, this new Calvary Cemetery was founded. The old cemetery land was used for other things. Many Italians moved into the north side of Los Angeles. They built a new church. They bought the chapel of old Calvary Cemetery. It became St. Peter’s Church. Today, the old chapel is part of St. Peter’s Italian Catholic Church. The original Calvary Cemetery is now Cathedral High School.
Here at the new Calvary Cemetery, All Souls Chapel was built in 1902. It was dedicated on All Souls’ Day. Bishop George Thomas Montgomery held a Solemn Pontifical Mass. He set the cornerstone. The chapel is like St. Giles’ parish church in England. St. Giles is the setting for the poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard”. All Souls Chapel became a popular place of worship. Now, it is mainly used for burial services.
The Main Mausoleum was built in 1936. Architect Ross Montgomery designed it. Two more mausoleums were added. They are Our Lady’s Garden and Gethsemane. The cemetery has its own chaplain. Daily Mass is offered in the Main Mausoleum chapel.
Many notable people are buried at Calvary Cemetery. These include actors, actresses, and other famous figures. Ethel Barrymore rests here. Lou Costello is also buried here. Edward L. Doheny is here too. He was an oil tycoon. Jack Dragna is here as well. He was a Los Angeles crime family boss. Even Ronald Reagan’s parents, Jack and Nelle Reagan, are interred here. Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton lies here too. He was a musician. Leno La Bianca is also here. The Charles Manson family murdered him.
All Souls Chapel is a highlight. This Gothic chapel has a tall spire. It resembles a church in England. Inside the Main Mausoleum, you can see beautiful stained glass windows. You will also find painted ceilings. Outdoor Stations of the Cross line the main drive. They are made of stone. Calvary Cemetery is a place of history. It is also a place of peace. It reflects the lives and legacies of many.