Was it fate or divine intervention that led to the establishment of Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church? The church began as a small mission in La Ballona Valley in 1883. Let’s step back in time and explore the captivating story of this church.
In 1883 a resident donated land on Washington Boulevard. This act of generosity allowed for the construction of a new mission church. This small wood-frame church marked the humble beginnings of what would become Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church. A priest from St. Monica’s in Santa Monica traveled to say Mass.
In 1919 Saint Augustine was formally established as a parish. The Monterey-Los Angeles Diocese recognized its growing importance. By 1922, the church expanded. It now accommodated 500 worshipers. In 1926, the parish opened a four-room school. Six nuns from the Daughters of Mary and Joseph ran the school.
From 1923 to 1938, Father John O’Donnell served as pastor. His tenure shaped Saint Augustine’s identity. The church was located across the street from MGM Studios. O’Donnell cultivated close ties with the entertainment industry. He became a technical advisor for MGM films. The studio helped the parish raise funds through an annual barbecue.
In 1936, a new Franco-Gothic church was built. It had seating for 700 on Washington Boulevard. Archbishop John Cantwell dedicated the new church in April 1937. The Los Angeles Times covered the opening. The article noted the presence of motion picture stars from MGM Studios. The building’s interior design was unique.
In 1938, Archbishop Cantwell planned to transfer O’Donnell. Parishioners protested fearing losing their beloved pastor. Despite their efforts, the transfer occurred. O’Donnell’s impact remained. In 1946, a wealthy parishioner left her estate to O’Donnell.
In 1949, Monsignor James McLaughlin became pastor. He spearheaded the construction of the current church. The large Gothic church opened at Christmas 1957. It was formally dedicated in June 1958. Bishop Fulton Sheen spoke at the dedication. The Los Angeles Times reported the new church had 14000 square feet.
From 1968 to 1973, Charles Kevin Keane was the pastor. Later, he became pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church.
Monsignor Ian Edward Holland served as pastor. He was there from 1983 to 1995. He then became pastor emeritus. Msgr. Holland passed away in 2002. Cardinal Roger Mahony presided at his funeral Mass. Today, Saint Augustine parish includes 3000 member families. Chris Fagan is the current pastor.
In October 2001, the church suffered an attack. A self-styled Muslim fundamentalist vandalized statues. Emad Ibrahim Saad decapitated the Virgin Mary statue. He also damaged statues of St. Rita and Junípero Serra. Saad left Muslim magazines and fliers. Police found the Serra statue at the nearby King Fahd Mosque. Saad was convicted of hate crimes.
Saint Augustine Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It’s a resilient community. It embraces its history. It moves forward with hope.