Photo Pictorial
Home
The Move
July 2002
November 2003
April 2005
May 2007
How You Can Help
Purchase A Brick
Buy A Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Restoration Complete
Old Saint Rose of Lima Church

Now Open for Visits and Weddings

On August 10, 1902, the first house of worship in Simi Valley was dedicated as the Presbyterian Church of Simi, California. The building featured varnished redwood and Oregon pine, brass fixtures, windows of Rolled Cathedral glass, and folding chairs with seating for the 11 church members. After a few years, the cost of maintaining the church became too difficult for the small group to manage, so the beloved church was closed, with the members joining the Methodists.
In 1912, the building became a mission of the Catholic Church in Oxnard. in 1921, the church officially became the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with a small congregation numbering 20 families. As the congregation grew over 52 years, this was the site of many baptisms, confirmations, weddings and more. Early arrivals to the small church sat inside, while others stood and listened outside. By 1964, when the parishioners moved to their new church on Royal Avenue, 1,500 families were attending mass.
After the Catholics relocated, various groups utilized the building for short periods of time. Eventually, the Baņaga family purchased the property, including the church. In early 2002, the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District purchased the former church and moved it to Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, placing it alongside other buildings of historical significance from early Simi Valley.
The approximate cost for moving and restoration is $250,000+. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and the Simi Valley Historical Society have worked together to raise the required funds. The City of Simi Valley contributed $46,000 to support the restoration. Contributions from the community were accepted to complete the project.

Buy A Brick: Donors may contribute any amount toward the restoration project. For donations of $175 or more, you may have your name or message engraved on a brick which will be placed into a patio at the back of the church. The bricks will be a constant reminder of the dedication of local citizens towards the preservation and restoration of this special historical building. To purchase a brick, please send the following to: Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Attn: Colleen Janssen, 1692 Sycamore Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065-3728.

Your Name; Your Address; City; State; Zip; Daytime Phone; Evening Phone: Copy for Line 1; Copy for line 2.

Each line can have a maximum of 20 characters. Spaces and punctuation count as a character.
Make checks payable to "RSRPD - Church Restoration"
Donations to the Old St. Rose of Lima Church Restoration Project are tax deductible. Tax ID#95-2215284.

You may also bring your check directly to the Simi Rancho Recreation and Park District or the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum.

Click HERE for a printable donation form. Form will appear in a new window. After printing close window.