Founded: Oct. 24, 1935

Location: 370 Campus Drive, Arcadia

San Gabriel Region: Deanery 11

First, contemplate ancient Greece; then, envision angels. Both elements describe the parish that started in a boxcar seating only 14 but was nestled in an area surrounded by lush growth, towering mountains and ranches --- much like the verdant region of Arcadia in the Greek isles that inspired the name of the city.

Although Native Americans once roamed the entire area as hunters and gatherers, the first notable settler was Hugo Reid who made an initial impact by stocking cattle on the land deeded from the Spanish. Making an even stronger, and lasting, impression was Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin who in 1875, for $200,000, became the last owner of what was then Rancho Santa Anita and is now Arcadia. History claims that when he first saw the land with beautiful foothills of greenery, oak trees and fertile growing acreage he proclaimed: "By Gads! This is paradise."

Just 30 years later, this moderate gambler and San Gabriel Valley's largest landowner had transformed the quiet, verdant site into a community ready for incorporation. So he and his business partner, Hiram Unruh, called the blossoming area "Arcadia" after the pastoral region of ancient Greece, and the sprawling location became a city in March, 1903 with a population of less than 500.

By this time Baldwin had already introduced horse racing, raised sheep and cattle, and his ranch produced oranges, almonds and coffee besides prize-winning wines and brandies. He was also elected Arcadia's first mayor before he died in 1909. The Baldwin ranch continued with mainly Mexican workers who also were employed on the new railroad and electric car lines.

Luckily for this predominantly Catholic population, a young priest arrived who was willing to learn Spanish and use improbable places to celebrate Mass. Father John Sheehy was first given permission to use the loading platform that stood between the Pacific Electric and Southern Pacific tracks off Santa Anita Avenue. He eventually bought the "Packing House" in front of the platform for $150 and leased the land for $1 a year. At first there were no seats in the small wooden building, but Mexican and American families came steadily for Mass.

In the following years, changes in employment and ranch life coincided with a Catholic population, and by 1935 Father John Moclair of Immaculate Conception Church in Monrovia decided it was time to form a separate parish in Arcadia. He purchased two lots on Holly Street south of Huntington Drive, for a new church called "Our Lady of Peace." After a successful building drive, Bishop John Cantwell appointed Father Gerald M. O'Keeffe as the first pastor and changed the name to "The Church of the Holy Angels" (the feast day is Oct. 2). The new pastor celebrated the first Mass on Oct. 24 at 8:15 a.m. for 135 persons.

A new permanent church on Holly Street was eventually completed and dedicated by Archbishop Cantwell on April 28, 1940. The school was built in 1946 and a convent in 1949. For 38 years the native of County Limerick, Ireland, served the Arcadia parish and remained active in visiting the sick and in counseling until his death in 1975 at age 74.

Another Irish native, Father Robert Walsh, was the next pastor, initiating many renovations in the church and grounds in guiding the parish for 16 years. Named a Prelate of Honor (monsignor) in 1988, Msgr. Walsh retired in 1989 and resides at the parish as pastor emeritus.

Father Patrick J. Daly, from Tullamore, Ireland, succeeded Msgr. Walsh, serving as pastor for two years. He died in Ireland in 2001 at age 60.

Father Norman Francis Priebe, a native of Nebraska and a member of St. John's Seminary class of 1967, was named pastor in 1991 and a monsignor in 1992. When first assigned to Holy Angels he said, "I was impressed with the beautiful parish facilities. There is a vibrant parish community with an active parish council, parents involved in the school and a wonderful religious education program."

After 12 years shepherding the Arcadia parish, Msgr. Priebe in 2003 became pastor of St. Jerome, Los Angeles. Serving since last year as Holy Angels' administrator is Father Michael Evans, a native of Glendale.