The historic and haunted St. Rose of Lima Church lies within the protective confines of the Strathearn Historical Park & Museum in Simi Valley. Since education and religion (School and church) were the basis of most community activities from the beginning of the Simi Colony, people first met in their homes, or else they traveled long distances to wherever a preacher conducted services. There were no Catholic services at the time. A community Protestant church held services in one of the Colony Houses that also housed the school for the first year or two until a proper school building could be built (1890). That tiny little Colony House at Second and Pacific served until a new church was finally built in 1913. The church was almost always served by Methodist pastors. The Presbyterians formed a congregation in 1898. They tried valiantly to hold separate services and by 1902 they were able to build this small church building at Third and Pacific. The lot was donated by Thomas Bard. However, neither church could afford a full time preacher, so everyone tended to go to which ever church had a minister that day! By 1908 the Presbyterians gave up hope of having a separate church and went back to the community church in the old Colony House. Not long after, this small building became the home of the Catholic congregation. By 1912, the diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles bought the building and in 1913 it was dedicated as a mission church of Santa Ciara Church in Oxnard. In 1921, St. Rose became a parish. The Ferrer family donated a bell, which was added several years later. During the 1940s the old 60-occupant building was enlarged to seat 160. Eventually, just before the new 900-seat church on Royal Avenue was ready in 1964, the worshipers spilled out onto the sidewalks outside. The church building was originally purchased from the diocese by Armando and Ramona Banaga. After 40 years, it was then purchased by the park district and moved to Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in 2002. The restoration on the church was completed in 2007. To this day, paranormal investigators report feelings of being watched or followed while alone inside. Others have witnessed an apparition of a priest; heard music coming from inside the church when it was locked; listened to phantom conversations and heard phantom footsteps coming down the aisle toward the pulpit. Most however feel completely engulfed in peace and overwhelming happiness while inside. It’s worth a visit and if you bring equipment, be very respectful. simihistory/
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 18:47:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015