Ever wondered how a fourth-century Italian bishop ended up as one of the five patrons of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles? That’s the story of Saint Emydius Catholic Church. This Lynwood parish is named for Saint Emydius. He was beheaded in 303 during the Roman Empire’s last and bloodiest persecution. Saint Emydius is known for his intercession against earthquakes.
In 1703, his city was spared during a violent quake. Prayers to him spread to California. Early padres prayed for protection against quakes. Bishop Thaddeus Amat invoked his patronage after the 1857 Great Fort Tejon earthquake. It registered 8.25.
Originally, the city was Rancho San Antonio. In 1902, C.H. Sessions acquired land and named his dairy after his wife, Lynne Wood. The Pacific Electric Railway then named the depot Lynwood. The city incorporated in 1921.
Four years later, Saint Emydius Church was established. Early records credit Father J.T. Torsney with building the church. Father William O’Donnell was the first pastor in 1926. Lynwood had only 30 Catholic families then. The parish had a 30000 dollar debt. They held two parish dinners every month to meet the 150 dollar monthly interest. Father O’Donnell also fought the Ku Klux Klan.
From 1928 to 1941, five pastors served briefly. In 1941, Father Charles J. O’Carroll began his 16-year pastorate. He built a complete parish plant. It included an auditorium church, a school, a convent and a rectory. The new church and school were finished in 1949. They replaced the original structure several blocks away. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange staffed the school. Father O’Carroll planned a new church for 1200 people. He died of a heart attack in 1957 before it was completed.
Father Patrick J. McGuinness completed the new church. Cardinal James Francis McIntyre blessed it in December 1958. Msgr. Michael McNulty followed. Then Father Donal O’Connor served for 24 years. He added seven Spanish Masses and a religious education program. He also celebrated many quinceaneras.
Father Dennis O’Neil headed Saint Emydius for three years. Msgr. Emigdio Herrera led the parish for ten years. In 2005, Cardinal Roger Mahony dedicated the renovated church. Msgr. Herrera welcomed him. He noted that there were no big donors. It was truly the people’s own church.
In 2011, Father Rigoberto Rodriguez became pastor. He oversees a parish of 20000 registered families. It is one of the largest in the archdiocese. Saint Emydius seems to be protecting it from earthquakes.
But not from everything. Vandals once targeted the church. They painted demonic symbols on the doors, statues, and signs. They even cut off the hands of a statue. Despite these incidents, the community remains strong.
Saint Emydius Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community and resilience. It is a beacon of hope in Lynwood. It is a place where all are welcome.