Founded in 1949 St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church and School stands as a beacon of faith. It also represents community in Encino Los Angeles. Cardinal James Francis McIntyre founded St. Cyrils. He named the new parish after St. Cyril of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was in anguish because of the 1948 Arab Israeli War. The Cardinal wanted to show the Churchs concern for the holy places in Jerusalem.
The first pastor of St. Cyril’s was Rev Michael Lalor. He was a native of Ireland. Rev William Smith a former army chaplain was the first assistant pastor. Mass was first celebrated at the Nazareth House Home for Boys. It was located at Magnolia and Sepulveda. The original church now the parish hall was dedicated before Christmas 1950.
The current church opened for Christmas in 1966. It was built in a modern style. It has a seating capacity of 900. Father Lalor passed away in April 1967 before the new church was dedicated. Cardinal McIntyre presided at a solemn high requiem Mass for Father Lalor. Father Lalor was then buried at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.
Msgr Cyril Navin also a native of Ireland arrived at St. Cyril’s in 1970. He became the pastor in 1971. Msgr Navin faced an immediate crisis shortly after becoming pastor. The city proposed an extension of Dickens Street. This would close St. Cyril’s School. Msgr Navin appeared at a public hearing. He said Our school would be removed if this goes through. It would mean 490 children being thrown out. They would go into the already overburdened public school system. The proposed extension was defeated.
In April 1974 Cardinal Timothy Manning celebrated Mass at St. Cyril’s. It marked the parish’s 50th anniversary. Cardinal McIntyre also attended. The Los Angeles Times reported St. Cyril’s had grown to 2000 active families in its first 25 years. St. Cyril’s hosted the installation ceremony of Rev Thomas Dolinay. He was the first bishop of the Byzantine Ruthenian Diocese of Van Nuys in March 1982.
Msgr Navin remained pastor until 1996. He then became Pastor Emeritus. Msgr Carl Bell became the fourth pastor in 1996. He was formerly pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hollywood.
St. Cyril’s hosted an interfaith service on May 8 2003. This was in response to arson fires at houses of worship in Encino. Ginny Panza St. Cyril’s business manager told the Los Angeles Times Were not freaking out. But everybody is a little bit more aware watchful.
The parish opened a grammar school in 1950. The school currently offers classes from Pre Kindergarten through eighth grade. The school has full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges WASC.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem was voted the Best Parish for music in the Los Angeles Archdiocese in 2000. The choir features a 40 plus voice choir. William Bill Beck is a well known organist and choral conductor. The Sunday noon Mass is very solemn. The choir sings the very best music. This includes music from the Renaissance baroque classical and modern eras. The male schola sings the Gregorian introit and communion each Sunday. There are several major choral events with full orchestra. They also have enhanced choral forces throughout the year.
Roger Wagner conducted the combined forces of the Roger Wagner Chorale. He also conducted the St. Cyril’s Choir and St. Philip’s Choir. This performance included a full orchestra. They performed Requiem by Maurice Durufle at St. Cyril’s in 1988. St. Cyril’s drew praise in 1990. It performed Beethoven’s Mass in C. The performance featured a 40 piece orchestra. It also featured a 50 member choir and four soloists. William Beck conducted. Mark Chatfield sang at St. Cyril’s for 19 years. He was the parish’s composer in residence. He was also a swimmer. He set an Olympic record in the breaststroke in the 1972 Olympics.
St. Cyril’s has been the home parish of many celebrities. It has hosted many Hollywood weddings and funerals. Father Lalor baptized John Clark Gable. He was the son of actor Clark Gable in June 1961. Many stars attended including Marilyn Monroe Fred Astaire and Jack Benny. The wedding of Annette Funicello to Jack Gilardi took place at St. Cyril’s in June 1965. The funeral for actor Richard Arlen was held at St. Cyril’s in March 1976. The funeral for Allan Dwan was held at St. Cyril’s in December 1981. Tony Dow sent his children to St. Cyril’s in the 1980s. The funeral of comedian George Gobel was held at St. Cyril’s in February 1991. The funeral services for astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr were held at St. Cyril’s in October 2004. The funeral for actor Eugene Roche was held at St. Cyril’s in August 2004.
From its humble beginnings to its present day prominence St. Cyril’s remains a place of faith community and celebration. It continues to serve the diverse needs of the people of Los Angeles.