“Seventy-five years!” Trumpets blared announcing Cardinal Roger Mahony’s entry into Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Here, on Montrose Avenue, history and faith intertwine. Welcome to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.
Holy Redeemer has been a spiritual home for many Catholic families for three-quarters of a century. Its story began in 1922 when Pius XI created the Diocese of Los Angeles – San Diego. Two local women asked Bishop John J. Cantwell to establish a parish in Montrose. The nearest Catholic church was miles away in Tujunga.
In response, Fr. William J. Stewart arrived. He was from County Tipperary, Ireland. On November 19, 1925, Fr. Stewart celebrated the first public Mass in Montrose. About 150 people attended. Within two years, the mission-style church was complete.
Msgr. Patrick Healy became the second pastor. He served Holy Redeemer for 43 years until his death in 1969. He guided the church through the devastating Montrose flood of 1934. The church sheltered the homeless. Some survivors donated land to the church in gratitude. Msgr. Healy also oversaw the construction of Holy Redeemer School. It was completed in 1945 as World War II ended. Four years later, in 1949, the convent was built.
By 1951, the post-war boom created a need for a larger church. The sanctuary was separated from the nave and moved northward. The nave was extended and transepts added. This created more space for pews and confessionals. Masses continued during construction. Priests even walked over planks to give Holy Communion.
In the early 1970s, the 210 freeway development freed up surplus land. Msgr. Konoske used funds set aside by Msgr. Healy to build Healy Hall. Cardinal Timothy Manning dedicated Healy Hall in 1977. This coincided with the parish’s 50th anniversary.
Jack Stopper, a long-time parishioner sent all six of his children to Holy Redeemer School. Two of his sisters, nuns, also taught there. Holy Redeemer celebrated its 75th anniversary on December 2, 2001. Cardinal Roger M. Mahony celebrated Mass.
Today, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church continues to be a beacon of faith. It stands as a testament to community. It honors those who built its legacy. It offers mass every Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Confession is every Monday from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Holy Redeemer welcomes all to share in its rich history.