The Catechism School Period
In 1920, the only parish serving the beach communities was Saint James Parish in Redondo Beach. It was to this church that the Hispanic population of the South Bay traveled to attend religious services. Two parishioners of Saint James, Mrs. Gordon McDonald and Miss Dewey (nobody seems to remember her first name), are known to be responsible for beginning a Catechism school for the Latino population of the parish. At first they would hold classes in their garages, but when the classes increased in size, they began looking for alternatives. Several lots were obtained by Saint James parish on the corner of Fifth street and Massey avenue and a small structure was built for the purpose of conducting the catechism classes. The building was soon to become the Mission Church of St. James Parish, serving the needs of the Hispanic community.The Mission Church Period
Due to the outbreak of persecution of the Catholic Church in Mexico during the late 1920's, many priests fled Mexico and came to California. Some settled in Hermosa Beach and served the newly formed Mexican community. The first priest to celebrate mass in the tiny mission church was Father Jose Alba in 1927. He stayed in Hermosa Beach for one year and returned to Mexico. After Father Alba's return to his native land, the exiled Bishop of Hidalgo took over and continued the apostolate. The Bishop's name was Jose de Jesus Manrique y Zarate. The Bishop setup regular mass times: daily at 8:00 am and Sunday at 9:30 am.After His Excellency's departure, the Baptismal records show names of other priests who served the mission during the 1930's: Father Julio de Jesus Torres (an Observant Franciscan from Colima, Mexico); Father Jose de Jesus Torres (from Jalisco, Mexico); Father Valeriano Fanco (an Augustinian priest); and Fathers Joachim de Prada and U.V. Julian, two Claretians. In the mid-1930's, Monsignor Jose Gutierrez of Guadalajara administered the mission and remained for about five years. His wealthy background was what was needed for beautifying the church grounds at the time and for the construction of a small office behind the church.
In 1942, a certain stability was granted to the mission when Archbishop Cantwell, head of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, appointed diocesan Father Cyril Wood as Administrator. Father Wood built a small rectory behind the church, a hall beneath it, asphalted the lot, encircled the property with a fence, and installed electricity outside.
Father Wood was succeeded by a number of diocesan clergy: Father Cornelio Sierra, Father Anthony Cambra, Father Jose Gagallo and Father Maximo Villanueva. In April of 1956, His Eminience James Francis Cardinal McIntyre entrusted the care of the mission to the Verona Fathers. Of these, Fathers Zelindo Marigo, Seraph Meneghallo and Gino Domini served the community.
In 1957, the Conventual Franciscan Fathers were appointed to be administrators of the mission church, along with becoming the first faculty of Bishop Montgomery High School, Torrance. And so, besides teaching during the day, the care of the mission church was entrusted to Fathers Anselm Romb (Administrator), Joseph Paszek, Benedict Zonca and Lawrence Lis.
The Parish Church Period
With the arrival of the Conventual Franciscans to Hermosa Beach, Our Lady of Guadalupe was about to begin its third stage, for in February 1958, Cardinal McIntyre elevated the mission to parish status. This meant, all Catholics of whatever nationality, within its specific boundaries, would now belong to the new parish. Overnight, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church grew from about 400 to over a thousand families.In that month, Father Edmund Krolicki was appointed the first Pastor of the parish. Father Edmund and his associate, Father Charles Kozanecki, were solely responsible for the beginning of an active and efficient parish life. The first task was to acquire larger facilities to hold Mass and religious services. Since the population of the parish had more than doubled, the small church was not adequate for the needs of the people. Plans were made for the construction of a new and larger church. In the meantime, after lengthy discussion with the Hermosa Beach City Council, Mass was to be held at Clark Stadium during the construction.
Father Edmund never saw the fruits of his endeavors, for on January 25, 1959, Father suddenly died of a massive heart attack. Father Samuel Bonikowski was appointed pastor shortly thereafter and the construction continued. Finally the church opened its doors in September of that year.
With the completion of the school, plans were made to open a parish school. In October of 1961, Our Lady of Guadalupe School was opened under the direction of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese of Oklahoma City. A convent was built for the Sisters within two years. The Sisters stayed until a drop of vocations forced them to leave our parish in 1974. Also built during Father Samuel's pastorate was an efficient church office where the administration of the church was conducted. It also served as the residence of the Franciscans.
Father Samuel was replaced by Father Edwin Banach in 1970. Father Edwin held the responsibility of continuing the efforts of his predecessors, while still overseeing the continual growth of the parish community. In 1976, Father Edwin began plans for the construction of a parish hall for use by parishioners for social activities and organization meetings. When the hall was completed, Bishop J. Ward, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese, blessed the new structure.
Father Edwin was replaced by Father Ralph Vala, a former associate of the parish, in 1979. His pastorate was short-lived, as his duties were needed elsewhere. In October of 1979, Father Ignatius Hinkle assumed duty of pastor, followed by Father Greg with Father Michael J. Woznick as his associate. Father Gary Klauer assumed duty of pastor for nine glorious years with Fr. John, Fr. Emil, Fr. Arthur, Fr. Viktor, and Fr. Anthony serving as his associates at several milestones until Father Raymond Mallet assumes the pastoral position in the new year.
On the feast day of their patroness, 12th December 2008, the parish celebrated their re-dedication mass for the completion of the much needed remodel.
This, then is the history of our Lady of Guadalupe Church, from its beginning as a small center of education for the Latinos of South Bay, over 85 years ago to a thriving and active worshiping community stressing the life of the Church today.
