A question heard often following the earthquake of '89 and its aftermath was, "What were you doing at 5:04 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17th?" To this day, you're sure to hear a lively retelling of that momentous day in the life of our parish and community. (The photo shows Pastor Jim Henry watching as the damaged steeple is removed from the church.)
The earthquake occurred exactly one month after a greatly anticipated celebration of the Centennial and Dedication of Holy Cross on September 17th. The church had undergone extensive renovation from 1983-86 with the
installations of new carpet, new pews and altar furniture, chandeliers, and a newly configured sanctuary.
All of this was in preparation for the big celebration of the church's 100th birthday in 1989. Through that summer parishioners added some finishing touches. Centennial banners lined the streets, hung from the choir loft and adorned the altar during "Centennial weddings." Proudly, parishioners were engaged in every aspect of the celebration, from sewing banners to participating as ministers in the impressive Sunday liturgy. Photos, a bit dim with age, illustrate the rehearsal for the Mass with Sr. Barbara instructing the Lenz Brothers and Mark Esposito, altar servers, Wayne Shaffer and Bill McDaniel, assisting ministers, with Associate Pastor Joe Occhiuto looking on.
And here is a "Centennial wedding" and banner-bedecked choir loft.
Bishop Thaddeus Shubsda, the second Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, officiated at the Mass assisted by Rev. Jim Henry, Msgr. Michael Buckley, Fr. Jerry McCormick, and Fr. Joe Occhiuto. Helen Silva assisted Fr. Jerry as he anointed the crosses with Chrism Oil. Hard to see in the second photo, but the choir loft, as well as the church, was full of joyful celebrants!
And then. Exactly one month later, the earthquake. In these photos the damage to the steeple can be clearly seen. As explained to parishioners, the earthquake basically twisted the steeple like a top.
The steeple came down brick by brick, and soon there was a pile of bricks in the parking lot. Parishioners were invited to take them home, and so they did! The steeple sat on the ground beside the church for some time, and we saw it every week as we attended Mass in the Parish Hall. And THEN....!!
But that's another story. A good one, though almost hard to believe. That story will be told in Part Two of waiting "four years, two months and seven days."
In the meantime, if you'd like to contribute your own stories of Holy Cross and the Earthquake of '89, you can add your comment to this post. Please do. The stories never get old, only better with age.
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And stay tuned for Part Two of the shaky past of Holy Cross in a few days.