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 elcome from the Rector!
We are delighted you have found our website. As you explore it, you'll sense the many hours of work that go into keeping it timely and useful not only to the people of Saint Mary's, but to a wide circle of friends and supporters located throughout the entire world - even in some places where it might be considered 'illegal'!
Saint Mary of the Angels Church was founded by Father Neal Dodd in 1918 as a special mission to the infant (silent) film industry in Hollywood, California. It quickly became known as Hollywood's Historic "Little Church Around the Corner," (In those days many churches shunned actors and actresses). Father Neal Dodd appeared in numerous films himself and soon became known as "Hollywood's Padre" or as one biographer aptly dubbed him, "A Candle Among the Stars."
Our building, opened in 1930, marks its Eightieth Year in 2010. Following Spanish models, the architect reproduced features traceable to Holy Zion, Mother of Churches, in Jerusalem, where the first Apostles were on the Day of Pentecost! We have a great heritage and history; but we cannot rest on our laurels. As Red Skelton once said, "He who rests on his laurels is wearing them in the wrong place!" There is plenty to be done. Will you join us in accomplishing it?
The ancient and classical way of celebrating the Mass is making a strong return in both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches; St. Mary’s never left it. This beautiful and meaningful style of worship dates to the earliest days of Christianity. Where it has been lost, many sense a craving for the restoration of the 'Numinous' in their worship, and journey to seek us out. We have many among us here who did not grow up 'Anglican,' but have since found for themselves a spiritual home here at St. Mary of the Angels. Whatever the talents God has blessed you with; you will be appreciated and valued.
Our Solemn High Mass on Sundays gives us a magnificent time to be refreshed in the glory and holiness of the Lord, praying and praising Him with all of our God-given senses (Why would He give us senses if He did not intend us to use them in worship?). This includes the wonderful music of our Schola Cantorum, one of the best choirs in California, lead by our first-rate organist and composer.
Please pray for St. Mary of the Angels and our mission to glorify God and proclaim His Truth. If you are in the Hollywood area, and friendship and fellowship with a caring group of people is important to you, do come and worship with us, and then join us for lunch in our Parish hall below the church after the Solemn Mass on Sundays. Remember to visit our website often for news and important upcoming events here at St. Mary of the Angels.
If you are unable to visit us in person, our website can serve as an important resource for your Christian education. Please enjoy listening to our podcasts of sermons and bible studies, as well as exploring our tracts, publications, and recommended reading lists. And importantly, if you need prayers for yourself or for your loved ones, please send me the names to be included in the daily prayers.
If God has blessed you in life with worldly goods, please consider making a donation to St. Mary of the Angels Church. Your hard-earned money will be greatly appreciated, and will do tremendous good to maintain the work and witness here at St. Mary's.
May God bless you and keep you in His care.
Fr. Christopher P. Kelley, SSC
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