Located between National City and Spring Valley, the Paradise Hills area of San Diego is a quiet, working class community. Its population includes representatives from many ethnic groups including Latinos, Filipinos, Guamanians, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. The community has experienced many changes in the past twenty-five years but throughout this period many of its members have remain strongly devoted to their faith and their God. A great deal of credit for this continued level of religious devotion can be attributed to the activities of a unique, catholic chuch in the area - St. Michael's Catholic Church. Through the dedication of its parishioners St. Michael's has become a symbol of a loving Christian community united in its resolve to grow, prosper, and spread the word of the Lord. As we recount the history of St. Michael's on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, it is appropriate to note not only the diversification of our Christian family but out tremendous faith, hope, and love that places St. Michael's high in the Hills of Paradise.

When we visit St. Michael's each Sunday it seems difficult to imagine our parish's humble beginnings twenty-five years ago in 1957. In the late fall of that year the Most Reverend Charles F. Buddy, the first Bishop of San diego, Announced the formation of parish. At that time our parish had no church building, or rectory or school, or even the name St. Michael's! Instead we were know simply as the "Catholic Church of Paradise Hills." It was not until early 1958 that Bishop Buddy announced that our church would be under the titular patronage of St. Michael the Archangel and would be called St. Michael's.

With no church building available, the first Mass for our parish was celebrated in a house at 5942 Alleghany Street on November 4, 1957 by our first pastor, Reverend Donner A. Frederick. The smallness of the house did not discourage multitudes of people from attending Sunday services. It soon became apparant though that larger facilities were needed. A vacant theatre building on the corner of Ridgeway and Grander Streets in Lincoln Acres was subsequently requisitioned for the celbration of the Sunday Mass. Unfortunately this "make-shift" church was in poor condition. However through the efforts of dedicated volunteers the theatre building was transformed into a "House of God." An altar was constructed, kneelers installed, plumbing repaired and electrical wiring upgraded. On December 1, 1957, Father Frederick celebrated Mass in the "new" church. The house at 5942 Alleghany Street continued to server as a Rectory and a church for daily Masses during this period.

In the meantime, the early parishioners were busy. These "founding fathers" met in late November and formulated plans for the establishment of a census committee to obtain the names of parishioners. The Altar and Rosary Society as well as the Holy Name Society were formed at this time. On November 22 and November 26, Rose Messerschmidt and William McLaughlin were installed as presidents of the Altar Society and Holy Name Society, respectively.

As with many churches, finances were a problem for our parish in its infant years. To alleviate this problem, men and women of the Altar Society and Holy Name Society began to rise funds enthusiastically. Rummage and bake sales were sponsored. A weekly "Game Nite" and "Buck of the Month" Club were institued. In this manner, not only was money collected but a spirit of fellowship and oneness was fostered.

Through it all Father Frederick was busy with the planning and design of the permanent church. Finally, on January 22, 1958 he announced that the church building would be constructed on our present grounds on Homedale Street. Fund raising to finance the new building continued, particularly the weekly "Game Nite." Eventually on May 25, 1958, Pentecost Sunday, ground was broken for the new church. Actual construction of the church and rectory began on August 25, 1958. The rectory was completed in January 1959 with Father Frederick occupying his new home on January 30. Work continued on the church building until May of that year. The First Mass and First Holy Communion were celebrated in the new church on May 10, 1959, Pentecost Sunday. The official dedication of our church took place later on July 10 of that summer. Auxiliary Bishop Richard Ackerman officiated and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time in our parish.

Completion of the church and rectory did not signal the end of construction activities at St. Michael's. In April, 1959 the Holy Name Society organized work crews for the construction of our parish Clubhouse. Thanks to the efforts of these volunteers, this structure was quickly created. Fund raising for additional buildings continued. The parish "Game Nite" sponsored by the Holy Name Society generated monies for the church building fund. A "French Festival" staged also by the Holy Name Society not only provided great entertainment for many people but supplemented our parish's income. The success of this annual "French Festival" was duplicated several times over the next four years.

In April, 1960 Father Marcel Matley arrived as St. Michael's first Associate Pastor. He was replaced in October, 1961 by Father George Yahn. Through this period our parish grew and the need for additional facilities became apparent. Father Frederick announced in 1961 plans for the construction of a parish cafeteria-auditorium and appealed for volunteers. Many parishioners responded to our pastor's appeal and a building committee was formed. Under the direction of a contractor, utilizing volunteer workers, construction of our "Parish Hall" began in October, 1961 and was completed in January, 1962.

During the early years at St. Michael's our children received religious instruction from our priests, volunteer parishioners, or the Sisters of Social Service. The need for a permanent structure in which teaching could occur was obvious though. Finally, in February 1962, construction of the present south wing of our parish school was begun by the same group of volunteers who had erected the Parish Hall. The school, known as St. Michael's Academy, was ready for our children in September 1962.

In the interim, our parish welcomed our school's first staff of teachers: The Sisters Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament. These sisters, led by Mother Conception, arrived at St. Michael's in June, 1962 from Madrid, Spain. The sisters first home was 2586 Deauville Street. Transportation between the "convent" and the school was provided by several women of the parish. In November, 1962 Father Frederick received authorization to begin construction of a covent at St. Michael's as well as the current west wing of the school. Led by Hal Mackin, president of the Holy Name Society, construction of the convent by work crews was complete in May, 1963. The west wing of the school was finished later that fall.

Throughout this period of feverish building activity, St. Michael's experienced the benefit of many organizations. The Altar and Rosary Society sponsored many events including pancake breakfasts, Halloween dances, Christmas wreath sales, Christmas Marts, Christmas parties, Easter Marts, and Fashion Shows. Its counterpart, the Holy Name Society conducted Corporate Communions, Father-Son and Father-Daughter Breakfasts and retreats for the men of the parish. The Parent's Council of St. Michael's Academy, guided by Dr. James Franklin, held a "fish & chips" dinner on Friday nights in the Parish Hall as well as periodic paper drives to raise money. Apart from any specific organization, our parish enjoyed the benefits of a lending library, in the rear of the church. In addition, an annual parish picnic was staged to promote parish unity and friendship. Through these events and the endeavor of many individuals and groups, St. Michael's Church grew and prospered.

Although no major building occurred during the period of 1964-1968, the time was not uneventful at St. Michael's. The parish Building & Maintenance Committee worked diligently to keep the church grounds beautiful. A retaining wall was erected at the rear of the convent in 1964. In August 1965, work parties repaired the school lunch benches. Later, in 1968, sidewalks were constructed at the convent.

The Parents-Teachers Group (PTG), successor to the Parent's Council of St. Michael's Academy, was very active during this time. Halloween Carnivals, ice cream socials, stamp and paper drives, and rummage sales were held. The Altar and Rosary Society continued their previously mentioned activities and added a few more including a Thanksgiving basket (Altar Society), Mardi Gras dance, New Year's Eve party, and St. Patrick's day banquet (Holy Name Society). The Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts sponsored several events at the church. In terms of the school and its staff, fund raising was conducted in order to purchase a station wagon for the sisters. In July 1967, Mother Conception left St. Michael's Academy and returned to Spain. She was replaced as sister superior by Mother Isabel.

The year 1967 also marked the 10th Anniversary of the founding of St. Michael's Church. Celebrations included the publication of a commemorative brochure, presentation of an American flag to the parish and holding of an anniversary dinner dance. The second ten years of our parish began with the announcement that our pastor, Father Frederick would leave in the spring of 1968.

The successor to Father Frederick, Father Sean Murray, arrived at St. Michael's in April of 1968. Father Murray, who hailed from St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Sun City, was soon joined at St. Michael's by Father William Gold, the new associate pastor. The two new priests were welcomed enthusiastically by our parishioners and church activities continued to flourish. The Holy Name Society and Altar and Rosary Society maintained their usual "heavy" schedule of events. Work went on in the meantime to upgrade and improve church facilities. A sidewalk sale raised money that was used to purchase school playground equipment and materials to cover the school lunch area. A parking facility for school personnel was completed in the fall of 1968. Work parties organized by the Holy Name Society painted the parish's buildings in early 1969. The old newspaper room adjacent to the Clubhouse was converted into a library later that year. These projects seemed not only to physically benefit the church grounds, but to further draw parishioners together as a family.

The years 1970-72 witnessed several personnel changes at St. Michael's. In July 1970, Deacon Donald Zielins came to minister to our church. Later, our pastor, Father Murray was elevated to the position of Monsignor in October, 1970. Ordained as a priest in May 1971, Father Zielins became an associate pastor at St. Michael's beginning in June, 1971. Father Gold meanwhile left our parish in September 1971, in order to undertake studies at Fordham University. His "replacement" Deacon Anton Sommer arrived in September of that year. Eventually, Deacon Sommer would be ordained a priest in ceremonies at St. Michael's in May 1972. However, before that, in April 1972, our pastor Msgr. Murray would be transferred to St. Therese parish in San Diego. Our newest pastor, Msgr. John Dickie, former Superintendent of Schools, assumed his position in the spring of 1972.

This period of time, 1970-72, also marked the beginning of a major organization at St. Michael's. In May 1971, following months of planning and preparation, the Parish Council was formed. The first members, William McLaughlin, Arnold Orrantia, David Oesterle, John Barajas, Richard Pena, Emmett Capossere, Pat Jensen, and Margaret McLaughlin began a tradition of hard work and dedication that continues today. Initial projects sponsored by the Parish Council included sidewalk replacement at the parish school, retaining wall construction in front of the church and rectory, and resurfacing of the parish parking lots.

Msgr. Dickie arrived at St. Michael's in April 1972 and served as pastor until the summer of 1976. During these four years our church building underwent major renovations in order to conform to the requirements of the Vatican II Council. Thanks to the efforts of Helen Selby, Leona Gurbacki, Paul Bruce, Bill Green, Paul Roma, Bob Heslop, Bob Befort, Lloyd and Marie Coffing, and Mike Tripoli, the altar area was enlarged, pews were installed on either side of the altar, and our church was freshly painted and carpeted by June, 1974. The Clubhouse and Parish Hall also were remodeled during these years utilizing funds provided by a new organization at St. Michael's, the St. Michael's Social Club.

Several current events staged at St. Michael's also had their origins in the years 1972-76. These include our Fall Festival, St. Michael's Feast Day Banquet, and the diocesan-wide Stewardship fund raising drive. Specifically, under the leadership of the first General Chairman Bob Heslop, the St. Michael's Fall Festival was first conducted in 1973. This three-day event not only raised money for the church but was a great source of fun, food, and entertainment. In honor of our patron saint, St. Michael, a celebration and banquet was held in September, 1975. This event has been duplicated annually ever since. Finally, the bishop's annual fund raising project known as Stewardship began in 1972. Led by Chairman Arnold Orrantia, St. Michael's established a tradition in 1972 that continues today - our parish has always surpassed the quota set by our bishop.

Within these four years, 1972-76, St. Michael's was also privileged to enjoy the ministry of many priests and sisters. Fathers Edward Flynn, J. Patrick Foley, Joseph Abela, Rafael Esquivel, Joseph Long, James Ferrigan and Charles Andalikiewicz contributed their own special gifts to the spiritual growth of our parish. Father Esquivel was particularly involved in the development of the Latin Community at St. Michael's. Our present-day Spanish-language Mass was started while Father Esquivel served at our church. In terms of religious women, the departure of the beloved Sisters Adorers in 1974 led to the arrival of the Victory Noll Sisters (Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters) at our church's convent. Sisters Monica Haines and Beverly Defibough, from this order, worked long and hard in the parish. Later in 1975, Sister Rosemary Babbitt, our current St. Michael's Academy principal, arrived to begin her work educating our children. The tradition of dedicated service by our spiritual leaders was continued by these men and women during these four years.

In July, 1976 the fourth pastor in St. Michael's history arrived on the parish grounds. Msgr. Anthony Giesing, the new pastor had previously served as pastor of St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Diego for seven and a half years. Although a native San Diegan, Msgr. Giesing had in the past ministered to parishioners at Our Lady of Soledad in Coachella, as well as at St. Joan of Arc in Blythe, California. Msgr. Giesing was soon joined by a new associate pastor, Father Anthony May who arrived in September, 1976 from Calexico. Additions to the parish staff later included Fathers Agustin Alonso, Onofre Aurelio, and Ricardo Mejia in 1977. Fathers Aurelio and Mejia worked closely with the newly formed Filipino Community of St. Michael's (FCSM) and existing Latin Community, respectively during their tenure at our parish.

Through the late 1970's St. Michael's continued to grow and expand. Maintenance and upgrading of the church facilities were accomplished during this time. In late 1977 two new reconciliation rooms were constructed in the church building. Thanks to contributions from St. Michael's Social Club, new roofs were installed on the rectory and church buildings also in 1977. In June 1978, the parish's parking lots were again resurfaced. In February, 1979 the garage and clubhouse roof were reshingled. Finally, the beginning of the new decade witnessed the ground breaking for the latest building at St. Michael's-the Kindergarten and Youth Room. Again, funds generated from "Bingo Nights" sponsored by the Social Club were the prime source of monies for the new building. Eventually, on February 22, 1981, the Kindergarten and Youth Room were dedicated.

The six years of stewardship by Msgr. Giesing and Father May at St. Michael's has been marked by several personal achievements; the development of several new organizations; and, the strengthening of existing groups. On May 18, 1980 Msgr. Giesing celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. In honor of this occasion, a Mass of Thanksgiving was concelebrated by Bishop Gilbert Chavez and many priests. Later a large banquet was prepared in Msgr. Giesing's honor. Father May meanwhile, has the distinction of being Associate Pastor at St. Michael's longer than any of his predecessors in the parish's 25 year history, completing his sixth full year in the fall of 1982. In terms of organizations, Fathers Onofre Aurelio, Elenito Santos, and Joseph Kuan, during their time at our church, have aided the Filipino Community at St. Michael's in their projects and endeavors. These projects include an annual rosary procession for the Blessed Mother in May as well as the construction of a grotto or shrine to Mary. With the support and assistance of all organizations within the parish, the beautiful Grotto was completed in time for the celebration of our 25th Anniversary. Other organizations at St. Michael's founded during this time period 1976-82 include the Guamanian Society and Mission Circle. At the same time, existing organizations have continued to aid in parish programs and development including the PTG, Altar Society, Latin Community, Social Club, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of America, and St. Michael's Seniors. The men and women of these groups have donated their time and talent in an effort to strengthen our faith community.

This year, 1982, our silver anniversary year, has seen all parishioners' attention directed towards our birthday celebrations. Parishioners have worked long and hard towards the three main projects of our silver jubilee year - publication of a commemorative brochure, celebration of a Thanksgiving Mass, and staging of an Anniversary Banquet. Through it all, Fathers Giesing, May, Juarez, and now Bean have reminded us of our colorful past and our promising future. The contributions and sacrifices of many people will be noted and praised. In the end, that same spirit of fellowship and love that has characterized St. Michael's for the last 25 years will be further nurtured and expanded in order that St. Michael's next 25 years will be even more successful. With this in mind and heart we are confident that our church, St. Michael's will continue as a permanent fixture in the Paradise Hills area with generation after generation of parishioners experiencing its dynamic life and flourishing vitality.

DAVE RICHARD, 1982

"WITHOUT MEMORIES..." A DEDICATION

"Without memories we are as wind in the buffalo grass.` Appropriately, therefore, we share memories and the history of St. Michael Parish on this 25th anniversary. We acknowledge our indebtedness and express our appreciation to those "founding fathers" who literally, as well as figuratively, built the complex which serves many hundreds of families today.

Twenty-five years ago - when a nice home could still be purchased for $20,000; when a 10% interest rate was next to robbery -the Paradise Hills area attracted many young Navy families. Some were "putting down roots," but more were only "in transit." A Catholic church was needed, but there were relatively few "permanent" residents to be counted upon to establish and serve a new parish. Willing and generous tithing of personal "treasure" could provide but meager funding, therefore it was the "time and talent" given with dedicated enthusiasm and love that provided Fr. Donner Frederick a bedrock upon which to build the new parish.

Individuals working together create community, and two names which come first to the lips of parish "old timers," are those of two Bills in the parish treasury - Bill McLaughlin and Bill Green, and the M & M's, their wives, Mae and Mildred. When within a few weeks, "the Catholic Church in Paradise Hills," was moved to a vacant theatre building on Granger Street, only the site for celebration of Mass was moved. The Blessed Sacrament was kept in the first "chapel" on Allegheny Street. Every Sunday Bill Green or Bill McLaughlin reverently transported the Blessed Sacrament, carried by Fr. Frederick, to and from the new Mass site. (Both Bills also served as the first finances auditors).

Because of the deplorable state of the theatre building, Bill McLaughlin and Bob O'Connor organized work parties for cleaning and renovation. (These same lists were in continuous use for the first five years, with the same two chieftans.) The ladies were as active as the men in the clean-up . . . and they provided lunches, made vestments, altar linens, etc. Midge Neff made banners for the Altar and Holy Name Societies. An altar, pulpit, and kneelers were built . . . and the latter were direly needed; the theatre floor sloped to the front, so it was safest to kneel leaning backwards . . . upright could mean pitching forward on one's face! Painting "parties" and then fund-raising parties in that same hall, after curtains were drawn to separate "sanctuary" from "hall."

Although the Rectory and Church edifice were primarily completed without volunteer labor, the building of the Clubhouse, Hall, and School buildings, in that order, were undertaken so quickly because most of the labor was supplied by parish-member work crews. Ed Stevens, one of the chief "hammer and saw" men for the theatre renovation, enlisted the volunteer services of his Lutheran friend, Chuck Freydenlund, a contractor, as supervisor for "cutting out" and overseeing the construction of the Clubhouse. Ed was chief carpenter. He was working on the Clubhouse roof when Pauline came in great haste to call him down. He stopped work long enough to rush her to the hospital before their son Eddie was born. Ed's ingenuity also created - from a vacuum cleaner motor - the first Bingo machine!