Picture this. You stand before Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Its history whispers from the very stones. Established January 15 1922 Reverend William Power was its first pastor. The first church and rectory stood on Randolph Street near Atlantic Boulevard in Bell. Later it moved to its current location in Maywood at 60th Street and Atlantic Boulevard.
Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to faith. It’s a vibrant community. Its story unfolds through generations. Reverend John Morgan followed Power. Then came Reverend Thomas Stack and Reverend John Dignam. Dignam saw the need for a school. With parishioners’ help he built a two-story concrete building.
This opened September 28 1930 as St Rose of Lima Catholic School. The Sisters of Notre Dame ran it. Enrollment started at 185 students. More classrooms were added in 1936 and 1941. Student numbers peaked at 420 in 1953. The Sisters of Notre Dame served the school for 72 years. A shortage of vocations forced them to leave in 2002. The school then had its first lay principal.
The church itself has undergone changes. In 1925 a church was built in San Fernando. In 1934 the current property was bought. The church moved to Workman Street. A parish hall followed in 1949. In 1955 Santa Rosa Catholic Church was built by the Franciscan Sisters. In 1962 the current church reflecting Spanish Mission style was blessed.
The church has been a beacon during hardships. Father Luis Valbuena helped the community after the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake. He established the first bilingual adult school in the US. Additions and repairs were needed after the 1994 earthquake. The church even saw vandalism in 2010 a hate crime. Yet Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church stands tall. It’s a place of worship a community center a symbol of enduring faith. Its story continues. It’s a story of resilience and growth. It is a story of hope.