Picture this A humble undertaking parlor. It’s 1920 in La Mesa. A small but devoted Catholic community gathers here. They’re yearning for a place of their own. A place to truly worship. This is the genesis of Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church. This unassuming building marks the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and community. It’s a story etched in brick and mortar. A story told in the moving of buildings and the dedication of generations.
Initially Masses were held in the undertaking parlor. Father McGrath from a distant parish traveled to celebrate. Then in 1921 Father McCormick a visionary leader built the first Saint Martin of Tours Church. This was at Normal Street and La Mesa Boulevard. The first Christmas Mass was celebrated in this new church in 1921. It was a joyous occasion. A moment that marked the start of a permanent home for the growing congregation.
The church continued to grow. It outgrew its location. So in 1948 an amazing feat of engineering took place. The original church was moved. It was rolled to a new site on El Cajon Boulevard. The building was cut in two. It was expanded. A significant remodeling project followed. The remodeled church was dedicated at Christmas 1948. It was now a stunning structure with an Early California Mission style.
But the growth continued. The parish needed a school. In 1950 construction started on St Martin Academy. Classes began in 1951. By 1956 enrollment reached 500 students. The church again became too small. Another expansion was necessary.
In 1964 ground was broken for the current Saint Martin of Tours Church building. It was completed by Christmas 1965. The original church was repurposed as Barry Hall. It serves as a lasting reminder of the church’s history. It bears witness to the enduring faith of this remarkable community.
Today Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church stands as a beautiful landmark. It houses 22 memorial stained glass windows. These were donated by families of the parish. The floor boasts intricate terrazzo panels. Each one features a symbol of Saint Martin. The fourteen Stations of the Cross are exquisite mosaics from Italy. The altar is of imported Carrara marble.
Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith. It’s a vibrant community. It’s a story of expansion. It’s a story of enduring faith. It’s a story worthy of celebration. A story written over a century of blessings.