Fifty years ago a community gathered. They built St John Eudes Church. It was 1963. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles saw a need. A growing Catholic community needed a church. Father Philip Grill was appointed. He began fundraising. He bought land for the church and school.
St John Eudes Church in Chatsworth California opened its doors. It served the northwest San Fernando Valley. Over 3700 families joined the parish. It fulfilled its mission. The church celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand celebration. There was an Oktoberfest a wine tasting and a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. A Jubilee Mass and dinner followed. A pilgrimage to places significant to St John Eudes concluded the festivities.
The 1994 Northridge earthquake struck. St John Eudes Church suffered severe damage. A wall separated from the building. Metallic braces held it together. A temporary structure was built. It was a large white plastic dome. Parishioners nicknamed it the big white Hershey’s Kiss. It was cold in winter and hot in summer.
Despite the challenges the community persisted. They transformed their temporary church into a festive sanctuary. Christmas services continued. Mary Breeden reflected on the experience. A church is not just a building she said but the people who gather within.
The temporary church inspired a sense of community. Parishioners liked the semicircle arrangement of pews. They appreciated the spacious altar area. They found their faith strengthened in adversity. The temporary church mirrored the humble beginnings of Jesus. St John Eudes Church endures. It stands as a testament to faith community and resilience.