Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church

On a crisp Southern California morning in 1925, a small group of Catholics gathered in what was then called Cherry Heights, later to be known as North Long Beach. They dreamt of a place of worship, a spiritual anchor in their burgeoning community. This dream began to materialize on December 28, 1925, when construction began on a new church at the corner of Market Street and Linden Avenue. Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church, as it would later be named, held its first mass just a few weeks later on February 7, 1926, led by Father Maurice J. Ryan from the nearby Holy Innocents Church. This initial structure was a mission, sponsored by Holy Innocents, and represented the growing Catholic presence in the area. Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church transitioned from a mission to a full-fledged parish in 1933. This marked a significant step for the community, establishing its own distinct identity. The following year, Father Thomas O’Sullivan became the first rector, beginning a period of stability and growth for Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church. He was one of only three rectors to serve the church over the next five decades. The second, Father Joseph Feehan, arrived in 1944, just before the post-World War II boom brought a surge of new families to the area. This growth necessitated expansion, and under Father Feehan’s guidance, the church added school facilities and a convent in the late 1940s. A new church building was erected in the early 1950s, complementing the original structure, which continued to serve educational purposes. Father Feehan remained at Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church, serving the community until his 50th anniversary in the priesthood in 1977. The third long-serving rector, Father John Gutting, arrived that same year. In 1983, Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church celebrated its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring presence in the community. Nearly 2,000 families participated in the festivities, a clear demonstration of the church’s deep roots in Long Beach. The church has seen its share of challenges, including a scandal involving a former priest accused of sexual assault. However, the community at Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church remains resilient, a testament to its enduring faith.