CATHEDRAL CHAPEL of ST. VIBIANA

Cathedral Chapel Parish's History

Those words have been heard every day for the last 96 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 Pre-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 Spanish 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 be 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 modernization of the interior was initiated, starting with a new wood carved design over the main altar, sent from Italy, depicting symbols of the Passion. Starting at the top and moving clockwise one sees: the sponge dipped in hyssop and the ladder; the robe and dice used by the Roman soldiers; the flagella used for the flogging; a rooster; the spear which pierced Jesus' side; containers for anointing; the nails; and the Crown of Thorns. 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. Since the church was established, members of the parish have continued to enrich and beautify it with many artistic symbols which are not always noticed by visitors. The painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, which is now housed in the Rectory, is a painting my Murillo. The pipe organ was completely renovated through the generosity of one of the parishioners and was once considered one of the finest in the Archdiocese.

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. Reverend Earl Walker (graduate of Cathedral Chapel School) was appointed in 1972 and served until 1998, thereafter serving as Pastor Emeritus until his death in October 2010. That's 58 years between the two of them!

Rev. Charles Schwehr served as the next Pastor in 1998 until his untimely and sudden passing in 2007. Rev. Truc Q Nguyen, was appointed Administrator and in November 2010 appointed pastor of Pastor of Cathedral Chapel. After 14 years of pastorship at Cathedral Chapel, Fr. Truc's tenure ended. On July 1, 2022, Fr. Doan Pham (who is Fr. Truc's best friend) was appointed Pastor of Cathedral Chapel.

Though the makeup of the Parish changed through the years, Cathedral Chapel has always been famous for its inclusiveness, welcoming and embracing all people of good faith. And the Parishioners have responded as well with generosity and hospitality that has become legendary. Once, when the Parish needed a new chalice, the Altar Society asked for donations of gold or gold plated jewelry. The response was overwhelming! A chalice and ciborium were made, containing wedding rings, engagement rings, watches, and many other pieces. Msgr. Dolan was deeply moved by the gesture, and after thanking them, he said he would remember each and every one of them whenever the chalice was used.

Since the opening of this church building, it has undergone four major renovations that have taken place. The first involved the lowering of the church and extension of the existing building by the construction of the north transept. The second was the addition of the mosaics, murals, and stained glass windows. The third was the redesign of the sanctuary in accordance with liturgical norms developed in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. The fourth renovation, completed in September 2012, was arguably the most extensive, involving improvements, both aesthetic and functional, throughout the entire building. 

On September 22, 2012, Cathedral Chapel Parish, on its 85th anniversary, celebrated the long last consecration of its church building by the Archbishop of Los Angeles,  Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez.

The bishops of Wales refer to the consecration of a church building as the "Dedication and Baptism of a Church." The liturgy, in fact, parallels the baptismal ceremony that welcomes new members, infants and adults, into the church. For a church building long in use, this event can only occur when a major renovation has taken place, including the placement of a new altar. We are fortunate that his has happened, for the extremely moving liturgy of consecrating a church buidling is something most Catholics never experience in a lifetime.

In the vision of Archbishop John J. Cantwell, who established Cathedral Chapel Parish, this parish was to serve as the ministerial arm of a new cathedral planned for the corner of Wilshire and Rimpau. Hence the unique name "Cathedral Chapel." That cathedral, an Archbishop's dream, was never constructed, but the parish was established before the dream of the new cathedral building had to be abandoned. As a result, a close tie was extablished between this parish and the old cathedral of St. Vibiana. A number of features from the Cathedral of St. Vibiana have been incorporated into the current renovation of this church building, as well as several elements from the new Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Today this parish serves as a visible link between two great cathedrals.

Our Parish is not only a church or rectory, a group of artistic creations, or a series of devotional exercises. It is a growing, changing, living part of the community. Cathedral Chapel has been at the center of many people's lives, and then have been at the center of the life of the church.

Cathedral Chapel is turning 95! The Lord's blessing is truly upon us because our parish is celebrating another milestone anniversary! This is another wonderful opportunity to come together as one parish family to celebrate our beloved church. 



{Information regarding the dedication of the church was excerpted from the congratulatory message of Most Reverend Bishop Edward Wm. Clark, Auxiliary Bishop of L.A., Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region, and parishioner of Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana.}