Saint Columban Catholic Church

Hidden within the vibrant tapestry of Historic Filipinotown stands Saint Columban Catholic Church. It’s a beacon of faith and resilience, a testament to the rich history of the Filipino community in Los Angeles. Saint Columban Catholic Church wasn’t always here, at 125 Loma Drive. Its story begins in 1941. Archbishop John Cantwell recognized the growing Filipino population’s spiritual needs. He asked the Society of St. Columban, the Columban Fathers, to step in. The first Filipino parish in Los Angeles was established in 1945. It was housed in a leased building on Fedora Street. That building now serves as a Korean kindergarten. The congregation thrived and needed more space. Father Francis Hoza and the community purchased an old firehouse at 125 Loma Drive in 1947. They transformed it into a church, holding the first mass on January 1st of that year. The community continued to grow. The current Saint Columban Catholic Church building was constructed on the same site. The first mass within its walls was celebrated on September 10, 1967. The church was dedicated the following year by James Cardinal McIntyre. Look closely at Saint Columban Catholic Church. You’ll see one of its most notable features: its exquisite mosaics. Saint Columban Catholic Church stands on Crown Hill, one of five hills that once encircled Los Angeles. In the 1890s, Crown Hill became the heart of an oil boom. Edward L. Doheny and Charles A. Canfield struck oil here in November 1892, transforming the area. Across from Saint Columban Catholic Church is Belmont High School. It opened in 1923 on the site of the former Belmont Hotel. The church resides in what is now officially Historic Filipinotown. This designation, established in 2002, reflects the community’s enduring presence and contributions to the city. Saint Columban Catholic Church is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of community, resilience, and faith. It stands as a testament to the Filipino community’s journey in Los Angeles.