Los Angeles herald., 1906-10-20

street. A new parochial residence will
be built at the rear of the church,
facing New High street.
To Demosh Parochal House
These are the rumored plans of Rt.
Rev. Bishop Conaty regarding the fu-
ture of this, the mother church and
parish of the city, but which could not
be verified yesterday, as neither the
bishop nor Father Caballeria, the pas
tor were to be seen.
The present parochial residence ex-
tends in an shape from the church
building, and is of brick. Leading to
this residence is a walk Of stately
palm trees, while in season flaming
poinsettias mark the pathway The
central portion of the plot of ground
is marked by little knoll on which is
planted the great cross, with the SYM
bolic letters. "I. n. r. L." Jesus of
Nazareth. King of the Jews For
many years this silent black cross has
stood sentinel-like in the yard. and In
itself has become landmark But
all these, including the famous patio
in the rear, surrounded by the cell-like
rooms first erected by the padres, and
which were converted into miniature
forts during the attacks of the Indians,
will have to be demolished If the ru-
mored plan is carried out
Where the brown-robed cizilizers of
this southland walked in meditation
and recited their prayers amid the
tinkling of bells and in the shadow of
the little chapel walls, will arise a
modern building, where in place of
chanting prayers will be the steady
hum of commercialism.
Church to Be Undisturbed
But if the plan is carried out, the
spot cannot lose its glamour, for
though the building be built and COM
nlercialsm gains another victory over
sentiment, the vicinity will still be
guarded by the little church which, in
itself will he undisturbed, and the
tinkling of the old bells in the tower
will still be heard over that part of
the city.
Many changes have come to this
church in the hundred and twenty-five
years since the city was dedicated to
pro-cathedral, whose worshipers COM
posed the wealth and beauty of the
early days. the church is now in the
midst Of poverty. vice and crime. From
time to time commercialism has en-
croa ched upon this church, which re-
treated each time with smaller posses
sions. but which has stood 50 many
years as it now Is, that one almost
dislikes TO see another change. Stand
ing on FL Canine Real of sainted his
tory. the church of Our Lady of An
gels will face the problem of FL Com
ercial Rialto, a reminder of the past,
atfact of the present and guide of the
future.
The first chapel was started in 1890,
near the present site, and was de-
molished by the earthquake of 1872.
The present church was started in 1916
and completed in 1926. The brick
house, now used as q parochial resi-
dence, was built in 1859, the second
story being added by Rt. Rev Bishop
Mora. who resided there until the erec-
tiou of the present cathedral.
Considerable discussion was caused
over two years ago by the proposed
plan of repainting the exterior of the
church. The front wall Of the church,
as it now stands. is not the original
wall of the church completed in 1926
but was built and decorated as it now
stands in 1860. the first wall having
been worn by the rain until IT fell in.
Will Be lrreparabIe Loss
At present the Plaza is one of the
large parishes of the city. embracing
as it does Chinatown and Sonoratown,
aud is also one OF the poorest The
parishioners are mostly foreigners and
Mexicans. and do not appreciate the
historical value of the church prop
erty.
Viewed from standpoint of senti-
ment the proposed change viii be Of
irreparable loss TO the future Of the
city.
But from q business standpoint. ii
VIII be a business transaction pure
and simple There is a large amount
Of ground unused. extending from
Main TO New High street. on which a
high rate OF taxes must be paid an.
cent, butt is an expente. with a good cod
building on the ground, and a new
parochial residence, which will be bet
ter for the priests Of the church, as