Before it became St. Gabriel Orthodox Church, St. Gabriel was a collection of young families interested in Orthodox Christianity and were looking for a place to meet. They originally met for worship at St. Basil of Ostrog church on Main Street for a while, but, as children outnumbered adults, they were in great need of restrooms. Having to cross the highway to use the park restrooms was not ideal.
One of the young dads noticed that the kiosk in front of the Christian Science church was advertising that it was available. He noted the number to call and contacted the people, who turned out to be his neighbors. So, Garett, the young dad, met Bill, his neighbor, who gave him a tour of the building and told him he could use it rent-free if the utilities were paid.
A short time passed and Bill made an offer. If the Church would make a donation of $2500.00 to the mother church of the Christian Scientist religion in Boston, MA., they could own the building. Garett immediately called Father John Finley, who was the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Dean of Missions and our Priest at the time, and told him about the offer. Fr. John Finley informed Garett that he had just received a donation for the exact amount. With that, the property on Old Vallecito Road became St. Gabriel Orthodox Mission and later St. Gabriel Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Bill told Garett that he and his wife and her family had “always wanted to keep the “light of Christ” shining in this community and we feel like your church can continue to do that.” Glory to God for all things!