A Brief History of St. John the Evangelist Church
University Heights used to be part of St. Joseph’s Parish (Cathedral), which had been founded in 1874 with Fr. Anton Ubach as pastor. In 1912, a group of local ladies appealed to Fr.
Nunan, existing pastor of St. Joseph’s, to establish a new parish here. He encouraged them, but his successor, Fr. Heffernan, wanted them to remain in his jurisdiction. The Catholic ladies group finally appealed to the new Archbishop of Los Angeles and San Diego, the Most Rev. John J. Cantwell, and he agreed, and in late 1913 appointed Fr. Peter McNellis as Pastor of the new parish in University Heights.
In 1914 great efforts were made by pastor and people to buy property and build a church. They purchased the property at Lincoln and Normal. Fr. Loughlin Golden succeeded Fr. McNellis as pastor and assisted by Fr. McCormick, erected our first church building in honor of St. John the Evangelist in 1915. This served as the parish center of worship until the present church at Polk and Normal was dedicated by Bishop Buddy on May 30, 1952.
Our Easter Egg Hunt!
What a remarkable parish. Loving and welcoming, just as Christ intended.
The evening masses on Sunday were much appreciated. I love this church, not because it’s closest to my residence, but because I feel the love inside.
The church where you can feel His presence. Since I migrated to the US I have been attending my Sunday and holy masses here, where I feel God’s graces and guidance.
Worship Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30pm
Sunday Mass: 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:00pm
Daily Mass: 5:30pm
Parish Hours
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Thursday-Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm
Closed for lunch: 11:30am to 12:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: By appointment only
Our Ministries
We have a variety of different ministries that are involved in our community.