“Ever noticed the Latin and Greek inscriptions at the bottoms of the bronze lamp posts?” someone asks. That’s a detail many miss when first arriving at Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church. This house of worship has been serving the Van Nuys community since 1928.
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church began as a mission. Holy Trinity Church in Burbank oversaw it. Father Morris Harnett was assigned to minister there from 1913 until the end of World War I. He supervised the construction of the first church and rectory.
In 1920, Bishop John Cantwell established nine new parishes. Saint Elizabeth was one of them. It was founded in a young San Fernando Valley community. Father C.A. Kimmons became the first resident pastor on December 6, 1920. The parish was named for Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary was known for her charity. She was the daughter of King Andrew II. She married Ludwig IV of Thuringia at age 14. She continued her charitable work. She even sold her jewels to build a hospital. Her husband died and she entered the Third Order of Franciscans. She cared for the sick, aged, and poor. Saint Elizabeth was canonized four years after her death. Her feast day is November 17.
Father Edmond Keohan became pastor in 1924. He served Saint Elizabeth for 23 years. In 1928, he completed plans for a two-story school and 500-seat auditorium. The design was Spanish Renaissance and cost $40,000.
Msgr. Patrick O’Dwyer oversaw construction of the new Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church. It was dedicated in 1950. At the time, it was the largest church in the Valley. It seated over a thousand people.
Msgr. William Duggan served the parish for 17 years. He started the ServCenter. It provided food and shelter to the needy. He also began Masses in Spanish at Saint Elizabeth.
Father Timothy Dyer was an associate at Saint Elizabeth. Then, he was named pastor in 1990. He had served in East Los Angeles for ten years. He learned Spanish there.
Father Paul Hruby became pastor in 1991. He had also been an associate and administrator at Saint Elizabeth. Father Kevin Nolan followed as pastor for four years.
The current pastor is Father John Bruno. He is a member of the Rogationist Congregation. This is his first pastorate in the archdiocese. It is the first time a Rogationist has headed the parish. The parish is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
In our church, mosaics commemorate Elizabeth’s betrothal and marriage. Her statue shows her carrying roses. Legend says her husband saw her carrying bread for the poor. The bread turned into roses.
Father James Ryan celebrated the first Mass of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish on April 2, 1956. It was held on the gym stage at Grant School. The first Mass in the new church was on August 11, 1957. Archbishop Joseph Ritter formally dedicated the parish on November 17.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary parish has a diverse history. It is united in faith. Parishioners have always been generous. They volunteer and help those in need. They share God’s blessings. The gifts of faith, time, and love exemplify dedication to the Lord.
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It reflects service and community. The Latin and Greek inscriptions are just the beginning.