Isn’t it remarkable how a church can evolve over time? I’m standing here in front of Church of the Holy Angels. Its story began with a simple land donation.
Peter Dunks gave this land to Archbishop Alemany in 1867. The original church was named St. Anne Church. This honored Anne Dunks. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dunks.
Construction likely occurred around 1868. Father Denis Dempsey oversaw it. He was pastor of Saint Matthew Church in San Mateo. Priests rode on horseback from San Mateo and San Francisco. They served the community. Reverend James Cooper was known as “the horseback priest.” His round trip took four days. Imagine that dedication.
Reverend James Cooper also instructed children. He visited families. He cared for Catholics between Ocean View and San Mateo. This was during Reverend Callaghan’s pastorship in San Mateo starting in 1884.
The 1906 earthquake caused no major damage to St. Anne Church. The tower was added in 1892-1893. Lightning struck the cross. The Biggio family gifted the church bell. It now sits outside in the courtyard. Its tone resonated through the valleys of Colma. Holy Angels was the only church with a bell.
From 1899-1914, St. Anne was a mission of St. Michael in Ocean View. Father Cooper became pastor there. The church’s name changed to Holy Angels in 1914. It then received parish status.
Reverend Michael Clifford became the first pastor. He added two small wings. The rectory was built in 1915 for $6,700. John Foley was the local architect. A hall below ground hosted catechism, meetings, and dances.
Catholics from the coast came to Holy Angels for sacraments. Father Sorasio set up a mission in Rockaway Beach. He did it with James Troglia’s help. Father would celebrate Mass in both locations.
By 1952, the church was too small. Broadmoor, Sterling Park, and other areas grew. The parish considered a new church or school. Father Sorasio displayed a drawing of a larger church.
Moving Holy Angels to Sullivan Avenue was considered. This did not happen. The property couldn’t be sold. It would return to the Dunks heirs. A major fundraising campaign began in 1952. The goal was $350,000. Thomas Callan led the effort. This was the first major change in 87 years.
In 1960, a fire started in the sacristy. Children played with candles. Father Farrell sounded the alarm. The Colma Volunteer Fire Department responded. The sacristy burned. Vestments and linens were lost.
A bigger church was needed by 1961. Architects created plans. Another campaign aimed for $300,000. Ground broke in June 1962. The new church was dedicated on September 23, 1962. Pope John XXIII sent his blessing.
The new Church of the Holy Angels reflected early California mission architecture. It seats 1140 people. The old church became the parish hall.
Since 1914, Holy Angels has had sixteen pastors. The parish has experienced the formation of new parishes on its boundary. These are Our Lady of Mercy, Mater Dolorosa, and St. Andrew.
Holy Angels welcomes all. The chapel is open most of the day. The facade features angels. Inside, you’ll see the marble altar and mosaics. Statues of St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother stand on either side. The fourteen Stations of the Cross line the nave. Stained glass windows depict holy figures. The bells of Holy Angels are ringing again.