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The History of Cathedral Chapel
"Good morning and welcome to Cathedral Chapel."
Those words have been heard every day for the last 80 years in our beloved
Church, which is most noted for its warmth and welcome. The story has an
unusual beginning, a very eventful center, and a triumphant hopeful future. The
Cathedral of St. Vibiana, located at 2nd and Main, was built in 1871. As the city
grew westward in the early years of this century, plans were made to build a new
Cathedral in the Wilshire district. It was decided that a Pr-Cathedral (a church
used temporarily as a cathedral) would be built on La Brea Avenue. That's why
we were named as we were, and located slightly away from the busy Wilshire
corridor.
Plans were drawn up by architect Ross Montgomery and the contract was
awarded to B.O. Kronnick Co. Ground was broken in September 1927 for the
building which was to be distinctive in its Spanich Mission architecture. It was
built on a gently sloping hill and the landscaping was lush and green.
The Right Reverend Msgr. John Cawley was appointed administrator and the
first Masses were said on Christmas Day, 1927. The formal dedication and
blessing took place on January 20,1928 with Bishop Cantwell as celebrant. The
church was filled to its capacity of 600.
In 1935 the City made plans to extend La Brea to make it a through street, and
notified the Chancery that the level of the street was to lowered about eight feet.
It was decided to meet the specifications for street level, and the church was
placed on jacks and the ground excavated under it. The building was then gently
lowered to its present level.
At the same time it was decided to expand as the church had outgrown its 600
person capacity. The north side of the church was removed and pillars were put
in place to support the roof. This accommodated an additional 150 people and
included the Altar of Repose. As the church was now eight feet lower than the
rectory, a retaining wall was built to withhold the earth strain. This is why we
have the staircase leading up to the Parish Hall.
Although built as a temporary chapel, intended to be adjacent to the future
Cathedral, history had other plans. Delays in construction caused by the Great
Depression, followed by World War II served to make Cathedral Chapel Church
a permanent structure. Again changes were planned. This time, a modernication
of the interior was initiated, starting with a new wood carved design over the
main altar, depicting symbols of the Passion. The pews were removed and
replaced with light colored oak benches and kneelers. The lighting system was
renovated and the church was painted both inside and out.
Our Parish has been blessed with the presence of two Pastors with unusually
long tenures. Monsignor James Dolan was appointed Pastor in 1938 and served
until 1971. Our Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Earl Walker was appointed in 1972.
That's 58 years between the two of them!
Continued on next page
