History and Heritage

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Montecito (Santa Barbara), California, has been a beloved part of the community for over 160 years. Its story began in 1856, when Franciscan missionaries from Old Mission Santa Barbara recognized the need to serve Catholics living in the Montecito area. On July 16, 1856 – fittingly the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – a priest celebrated the first Mass for local residents in a humble meadow, and plans were announced to build a dedicated chapel on that spot. Just months later, on February 28, 1857, over 200 people gathered as Bishop Thaddeus Amat of Monterey laid the cornerstone for the new chapel. Land on East Valley Road was donated in 1858 by Victor Juarez and Maria Dominguez, and the first chapel – an adobe structure named Nuestra Señora del Carmelo – was eventually completed and consecrated on July 23, 1877.

In its early decades, the fledgling parish did not yet have a resident priest, so missionaries traveled from Santa Barbara Mission each Sunday to say Mass – first outdoors and later in the tiny adobe chapel that seated about 60 people. As Montecito grew in the late 1800s (spurred by new irrigation for agriculture and an influx of families from the Midwest), the Catholic community outgrew the original adobe. A simple white wooden church was built at the present site (the corner of Hot Springs Road and East Valley Road) to accommodate the larger flock.

By 1905, Montecito’s Catholic parish was assigned its first resident pastor, Father William Lonergan, followed soon after by Father Anthony Serra. Under their guidance, Our Lady of Mount Carmel became not only a place of worship but a social hub for the area – hosting sports games and community gatherings that knit together the small Montecito community. In the early 20th century, Montecito also blossomed into a retreat for visitors and new residents (many arriving by carriage from Santa Barbara), and the parish’s role in local life continued to grow alongside the population.

A major turning point came in the 1930s, when the parish set out to build a more substantial church worthy of its burgeoning congregation. Three generous sisters from a Midwestern family – Mrs. William N. Nelson and Misses Clara and Mary Cudahy – had settled in Montecito and offered to fund the construction of a new church building. Under the leadership of Pastor Fr. John Cox, the parish commissioned Los Angeles architect Ross Montgomery to design the church. Montgomery was renowned for his expertise in mission and pueblo revival styles, and together with associate William Mullary, he drew inspiration from early Jesuit mission architecture. The design they created blended the adobe-building traditions of the Pueblo Indians with Spanish Colonial features, resulting in a uniquely Southwestern style for the new church. Construction took place in the mid-1930s, and the beautiful new Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church was completed and solemnly consecrated in 1938

Tragically, Fr. Cox – who had spearheaded the building project – passed away in 1939, just a year after seeing the new church realized, but he left a lasting legacy of service and charity during the difficult years of the Great Depression.

In the post-war era, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish continued to flourish. Father John Meehan, pastor from 1939 to 1952, was especially passionate about Catholic education. He led a letter-writing campaign urging families to support a parish school, even arranging transportation for children who needed it. Thanks to his efforts, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School opened its doors in 1944 with an initial class of fifty students, taught by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (The school, which serves Pre-K through 8th grade, remains an integral part of the parish community to this day.) 

The parish kept growing through the 1950s under Msgr. Ozias Cook (pastor 1952–1968), a former Navy chaplain. During his tenure, a permanent school building was constructed and dedicated on March 28, 1954, providing modern classrooms for the Catholic education program. In 1963, the church itself was expanded with the addition of a side chapel, effectively doubling seating capacity from about 300 to 600 to serve the expanding congregation. By the late 1960s, Our Lady of Mount Carmel had become home to hundreds of families spanning all ages.

Over the subsequent decades, the parish has celebrated many milestones. In 2006, Our Lady of Mount Carmel joyfully marked its Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) with commemorative events, by which time the parish had grown to nearly 1,000 registered families. Longtime pastor Fr. Maurice O’Mahony (who led the parish from 1997 to 2009) presided over the sesquicentennial celebration and oversaw improvements like establishing an arts center for students and installing beautiful new altar furnishings to enrich the church’s liturgy. His successor, Msgr. Stephen Downes, took the helm in 2009 and continued the tradition of fostering a vibrant parish life – emphasizing youth ministry, Bible study groups, adult faith formation (RCIA), and outreach to the sick and homebound

Under all these generations of leadership, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church has remained a steadfast cornerstone of faithin Montecito, gracefully adapting to the needs of each era while cherishing its rich heritage.

Architecture and Artistic Design

The architecture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is a distinctive example of Spanish Colonial Revival blended with Pueblo Mission style. Architect Ross Montgomery carefully studied historic Southwestern mission churches in designing the 1930s building, cherry-picking their most beautiful features for Montecito’s new church. The exterior presents a mellow adobe-textured façade and a charming bell tower, evoking an 18th-century New Mexico mission. A sheltered courtyard atrium welcomes visitors at the entrance, reflecting the typical layout of early California and Southwest churches that often featured courtyard gathering spaces The overall design is so authentic that the church is noted as one of the few in the entire Los Angeles Archdiocese with true southwestern pueblo character.

Inside, the church is just as architecturally rich and artistic. Montgomery incorporated a stunning wood ceiling of eucalyptus saplings arranged in a herringbone pattern – an homage to indigenous building techniques. Daylight pours onto the altar through well-placed windows, illuminating a hand-carved wooden reredos (altar backdrop) painted in vibrant red and blue hues. This dramatic reredos, along with the sanctuary’s other appointments, was crafted to mirror the style of old Spanish missions. For example, the tabernacle, sanctuary lamp, and altar crucifix are made of silver, designed in the spirit of 17th-century Spanish colonial silversmiths. 

Throughout the church, metal fixtures were artisan-made – the hanging lanterns and hardware are of repoussé (embossed) tin, custom crafted by Native American artists in Santa Fe to lend an authentic period feel. Adding to the earthy beauty, the altar, baptismal font, and even the flagstone floor were all hewn from local Santa Barbara sandstone, literally grounding the structure in the local landscape. Landscape architects Lockwood de Forest and Stephen Benízik also designed the grounds with native succulents, agaves, and oak trees so that the exterior gardens would complement the Southwestern architectural style.

The result of all these elements is a church that feels timeless – a harmonious blend of Spanish mission elegance and rustic pueblo charm, from its thick adobe-style walls to the colorful artwork that adorns its interior. Over the years, the parish has taken care to preserve and enhance this architectural gem. In the early 2000s, a major restoration of both church and school facilities was undertaken, ensuring the historic church would remain safe and beautiful for future generations. This renovation included the addition of an art studio for the school and the refurbishment of the church’s interior furnishings – including new hand-crafted altar furniture that complements the original design.

Despite modern updates, every change has respected the church’s historic character. Generations of parishioners have also contributed devotional art and traditions, from statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph that grace the sanctuary, to the unique “Indian Christmas crèche” (Nativity scene) begun by Fr. Meehan in the 1940s which incorporates Native American motifs into the Christmas decorations. Whether one is admiring the carved wooden doors, the colorful stained-glass windows (added in later years), or the way the evening sunlight warms the church’s adobe-hued exterior, it is clear that art and architecture are integral to Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s identity. The church stands not only as a house of worship but also as a living work of art – “the jewel of Montecito”in the eyes of many locals – linking the community to the rich cultural legacy of California’s mission era.

Worship and Services

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an active Catholic parish that offers many opportunities for worship and spiritual growth. Mass is celebrated daily and multiple times on weekends, providing ample chance for parishioners and visitors to attend. The regular Mass schedule is as follows:

• Weekday Mass: Monday through Friday at 7:45 AM
• Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM on Saturday afternoon
• Sunday Masses: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 PM (noon) every Sunday
• Holy Days of Obligation: Typically a special Mass at 5:30 PM on the holy day (with additional vigil or day times announced as needed)

In addition to Mass, the parish offers the full range of Catholic sacraments and devotions. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) is available every week – currently on Saturday afternoons before the evening Mass – as well as by appointment, so that the faithful can regularly receive God’s forgiveness. Baptisms are celebrated monthly for infants of registered families (often on the first Sundays), and the clergy also prepare older children and adults for Baptism through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program. The parish rejoices in many weddingseach year, as engaged couples come to this beautiful church to exchange their vows in the Sacrament of Marriage. Funerals and memorial Masses are likewise an important ministry, as the church offers comfort and hope to families in times of loss.

To foster prayer outside of Mass, Our Lady of Mount Carmel opens its doors for personal devotion. Parishioners regularly pray the Rosary together, and there is a tradition of Eucharistic Adoration on special occasions. A Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites group meets for prayer (reflecting the Carmelite spirituality of the parish’s patroness). Whether it’s the quiet of a weekday morning or a packed Sunday service, the church is alive with worship. The music ministry, including a talented choir and youth cantor groups, leads hymns that soar in the church’s resonant space. From the joyful noise of children at family Mass, to the silence of a candlelight vigil, Our Lady of Mount Carmel continues its long mission of bringing people closer to God through reverent and regular worship.

Parish Ministries and Education

A hallmark of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is its vibrant parish life, with ministries for every age and interest. Parishioners are encouraged to share their time and talents, and new families quickly discover there are many ways to get involved. At the heart of the community is Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, a Catholic elementary and middle school (Pre-K through 8th) that has operated alongside the church since 1944. 

The school and church enjoy a close relationship – students attend weekly Mass, and the pastor and sisters on staff provide spiritual guidance to the children. Parish families take pride in the school’s strong tradition of faith-based education and community service. Many parish events, from holiday pageants to service projects, include the participation of enthusiastic Mount Carmel students.

Beyond the day school, the parish runs a robust religious education program for children and teens in the wider community. The Children’s Faith Formation program (formerly known as CCD) meets weekly to teach Catholic faith to students who attend other schools, preparing them for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. There are also Youth Ministries tailored to different age groups. For middle-schoolers, the parish offers a fun and faith-centered youth group (cheerfully nicknamed the “M&M’s” for Monday Ministry or Middle-school Ministry), which gathers kids for games, service activities, and discussion aimed at fostering a personal relationship with Jesus. High schoolers participate in the “El Camino” Confirmation program, a two-year journey that blends classes with retreats, social events, and urban service trips to deepen teens’ understanding of their faith in action. These programs culminate in the Sacrament of Confirmation, often with over a dozen youth confirming their commitment to the Church each year. Parish youth also engage in liturgical roles – many serve as altar servers at Mass or sing in the Youth Choirs, developing confidence and a spirit of service at the altar.

Adults in the parish likewise find many avenues for fellowship and spiritual growth. A Young Adult Ministry (“MC-YA”) brings together parishioners in their 20s and 30s for social gatherings, Scripture study, and volunteer work, often in collaboration with other local parishes. There are regular Bible study groups for adults, seasonal faith-sharing programs (especially during Lent), and an RCIA class every year to welcome those interested in becoming Catholic. For those who feel called to serve at Mass, there are active ministries of lectors (proclaiming the Scripture readings), Eucharistic Ministers (assisting with Holy Communion), and hospitality ministers (ushers and greeters) – all coordinated by dedicated volunteer. The parish’s Liturgy Committee works behind the scenes to plan beautiful liturgies for feast days and sacramental celebrations.
Meanwhile, a volunteer Pastoral Council meets with the pastor to advise on parish needs and organize community-building events, such as the annual parish picnic and the “wine and cheese” social hours after Mass.

Whether one’s interest is in music, teaching, hospitality, or prayer, there is a place for everyonein the ministries of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This inclusive spirit has helped create a warm, family-like atmosphere in the parish – something especially valued on a school campus, where children see adults actively living out their faith in diverse ways.

Community Outreach and Service

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church has a strong tradition of reaching beyond its own membership to serve those in need in the wider Santa Barbara area and beyond. The parish’s Community Outreach programs are both generous and creative, often engaging the school families and youth as partners in service. Each year, parishioners participate in a mission trip with the organization Corazón, traveling to Tijuana, Mexico, to build a home for a family in need. This hands-on project not only provides a life-changing gift to a Mexican family, but also builds friendships across borders as volunteers from both countries work side by side.

Back home in Santa Barbara, the parish hosts an array of charitable events, especially focused on children and families who are struggling. For example, every August the parish puts on “El Campo del Sol,” a joyful end-of-summer festival day for about 150 local children from low-income households. The church grounds come alive with games, arts and crafts, music, and food. At the end of the day, each child goes home with a new backpack stuffed with school supplies and a set of back-to-school clothes – helping them start the school year with confidence.

As the holidays approach, Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s giving spirit kicks into high gear. In early December, the parish hall transforms into “Santa’s Workshop,” where parish volunteers refurbish and wrap donated toys. Teens and adults gather for pizza, Christmas music, and an evening of cheer as they paint bikes, mend dolls, and prepare gifts – ensuring that hundreds of gently-used toys will shine like new for children who might otherwise go without presents. The following weekend, families in need are invited to come “shop” (at no cost) for these gifts, so that parents can give their kids a joyful Christmas. The parish also sponsors The Giving Tree tradition each Advent: a Christmas tree in the church is decorated with paper tags, each listing a gift wish or needed item for a disadvantaged child or family in the community. Parishioners take a tag (or several) and return with the requested gifts, which are then delivered to those families before Christmas. Through the Giving Tree, hundreds of local children and entire families receive personalized gifts and experience the love of the community every Christmas. Additionally, the parish “adopts” the moms and kids at St. Vincent’s Transition House (a local shelter for homeless families) each Christmas, hosting a special dinner and gifting baskets of treats and essentials to the residents.

Indeed, for over 25 years Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishioners have volunteered at Transition House – the parish provides and serves dinner on the first Friday of every month for the shelter’s clients. This long-running commitment, coordinated by parish volunteers, is part of why Transition House succeeds in helping so many families regain stability. Through meals, donations, and kindness, the church community puts faith into action in tangible ways.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel also believes in working hand-in-hand with other congregations to multiply the impact. The church is a founding member of the Montecito Community of Churches – known as the M4 (Montecito 4) partnership – which unites four local faith communities: Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Catholic), All Saints-by-the-Sea (Episcopal), El Montecito Presbyterian, and Montecito Covenant Church. Through M4, these churches collaborate on ecumenical worship services and charitable projects to serve Santa Barbara. In recent years, the M4 churches have raised funds for clean water wells in Ethiopia, filled hundreds of backpacks with school supplies for local children, assembled caregiver kits for AIDS patients in Africa, and even helped refurbish a struggling public elementary school in Santa Barbara’s inner city. One memorable joint effort saw the M4 congregations collect over 600 turkeys and chickens to distribute to needy families at Thanksgiving.

Another year, volunteers from all four churches hiked together to raise money for a children’s education program in Haiti. These collaborative projects – often featured in local media as a model of unity – show the power of faith communities coming together to heal and uplift. Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s parishioners take pride in standing alongside their neighbors of different denominations in service to others. This outreach not only improves lives in Santa Barbara and globally, but also strengthens the bonds of friendship in the community of Montecito.

Traditions and Notable Celebrations

Throughout its long history, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church has cultivated many cherished traditions and celebrations that enrich parish life and honor its patron saint. Each year in mid-July, the parish celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16) with special Masses and festivities. This patronal feast day is very significant – it marks the anniversary of that first Mass offered in 1856 and serves as an annual homecoming for the community. Parishioners often gather for a sunny summer barbecue or fiesta in the church gardens after the feast day Mass, enjoying food and fellowship in the spirit of Our Lady. On this day the statue of the Blessed Mother, crowned with flowers, is displayed prominently, and the traditional Carmelite Scapular is blessed and distributed to those who wish to wear it as a sign of Mary’s protection. The feast day celebration highlights the parish’s connection to the worldwide Carmelite family and its devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Mount Carmel.

Christmas and Holy Week bring their own beloved traditions to the parish. During Advent, the church hosts an annual Advent Concert and Lessons & Carols service, where the children’s choir and adult choir join together in singing carols and proclaiming Scripture readings that anticipate Christmas. A long-standing highlight of the Christmas season is the Nativity crèche with a unique Southwestern flair. As mentioned, back in the 1940s Father Meehan introduced what he called an “Indian Christmas crèche,” incorporating Native American figurines and motifs into the Nativity scene. 

To this day, the parish sets up a beautiful manger scene each December that reflects the local culture: alongside the Holy Family and Wise Men, one might see figures of indigenous peoples bringing gifts, or mission-style architecture in the Bethlehem backdrop, creating a fusion of the biblical story with California’s heritage. Children love visiting the crèche after Mass, and it serves as a teaching tool about inculturation and the universality of Christ’s birth. At Easter, the parish continues the tradition of an Easter Vigil that begins in the outdoor courtyard with the blessing of the new fire, just as it has for decades. The church is then filled with lilies and the alleluia chorus on Easter morning, often accompanied by trumpet and violin, in one of the most joyous yearly celebrations.

The parish community also comes together for milestone celebrations. In August 2006, Our Lady of Mount Carmel commemorated its 150th anniversary with great fanfare. The festivities included historical displays of old photographs and documents, special liturgies with the Archbishop and former pastors in attendance, and even a concert series. (The Thomas Aquinas College Choir was invited to perform an inaugural concert honoring the parish’s 150-year musical heritage

A time capsule was buried with messages and mementos from 2006, to be opened by future generations. A bronze sesquicentennial plaque now graces the church, reminding all who see it that this faith community’s roots run deep – planted in 1856 and still flourishing. In more recent years, when Montecito faced disasters like the 2018 mudslides, the church served as a beacon of hope and support. Parishioners opened their homes to displaced neighbors and held prayer vigils for those lost; the pastor worked with relief agencies to channel aid, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel hosted memorial services for victims regardless of religious affiliatio. Such moments, though tragic, have further bonded the parish to the wider Santa Barbara community and exemplified its mission of compassion.

In every season, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church stands as a testament to enduring faith and community spirit. Whether it’s a weekday morning with students filing in for Mass, a bustling Sunday with families greeting each other on the patio, or a quiet afternoon with someone praying the Rosary in a pew, the church remains alive with the purpose envisioned by its founders so long ago. It is a place where history is honored, faith is nurtured, and service is a way of life. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church continues to watch lovingly over Montecito – “quietly watching over… with timeless charm,” as one local historian described – just as it has since the 1850s. 

For the students and families of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, the parish is an ever-present source of inspiration, reminding each new generation to carry forward the light of faith. In the words inscribed by Pope John Paul II and treasured by the parish, “May Our Lady of Mount Carmel be the star that guides you… throughout your life” – a fitting motto for a church that continues to guide and uplift the Santa Barbara community after so many years.