Picture the majestic Saint Gabriel Catholic Church of Poway. Its imposing structure stands before you a testament to faith and community. This isn’t just a church it’s a living history.
Saint Gabriel’s story began humbly. Initially part of St Michael’s in Poway it blossomed into its own parish on June 15 1973. Imagine over two hundred families filling the pews. They weren’t in this beautiful building though. Early masses were held at Twin Peaks Middle School. Even Saturday and Holy Day masses were in parishioners’ homes.
The first pastor Monsignor Charles J Dollen had a vision. With architect Dale St Denis they planned a parish hall. A church would follow. The first Benediction on the current land happened in 1976. The first mass on that land was in September 1977. Construction of the parish hall was about to begin. Groundbreaking for Saint Gabriel’s was September 18 1977. The first mass in the temporary church their current reception hall was July 30 1978. Bishop Leo T Maher dedicated Saint Gabriel’s September 16 1978. Carillon bells chimed in December 1980 a new organ blessed in September 1981.
A revised master plan followed. Five buildings were added Maintenance Education Office Church and Rectory. These were completed in 1988. A house became the rectory in 1996.
Father Joseph Jay Brady took over in 1996. Plans to expand worship space didn’t materialize. The preschool closed. The parish debt was paid in 1998. Monsignor Dollen passed away that year.
Father Michael Froidurot became pastor in 1999. He spearheaded efforts for a new worship space. In 2004 six acres were purchased from the Hubert Family. The old rectory was sold a new one bought. The driveway became access to the new church.
In 2005 the land was blessed. A cornerstone now sits at the West Bell Tower. Five bronze bells cast in Orleans France arrived in 2006. They rang for the fifth anniversary of 9/11. They were stored at an All State Warehouse owned by a parishioner.
T B Penick & Sons and architects Hyndman & Hyndman were hired in 2008. The Diocese approved the design. Fundraising began. September 1 2009 was a turning point. Over 300 parishioners presented their case to Poway’s city council. They received a Conditional Use Permit. Construction started. A Cornerstone ceremony was held March 13 2010.
The first official mass in the new church was June 24 2011. The Mass of Dedication was July 8 2011. Father Michael’s family joined from Scotland and France. A reception followed.
The parish’s attendance tripled. Three deacons were ordained. The reception hall was renovated in 2015. It’s now dedicated to Monsignor Dollen. Saint Gabriel’s continues to be a place to call home. Its growth reflects the enduring spirit of its community.