St. Joan of Arc History
ST. JOAN OF ARC PARISH, VICTORVILLE
HISTORICAL DESCRIPTION
Before 1927 Victorville was a mission. Priests from Barstow and
San Bernardino came to celebrate Mass on Sundays
In a private home. Rev. Charles Kerf, Pastor at
St. Joseph, Barstow, attempted to build a church in
Victorville in 1922 with the help of Mr. Leonardt
From the local cement plant. The project never got started.
1927 St. Joan of Arc becomes a full parish. Rev. P.J. Barry
is the first pastor. First church is built at 6th and
“A” streets.It is part of the Diocese of Los Angeles-
San Diego. Boundaries included Lucerne Valley,
Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville.
1936 St. Joan of Arc Parish becomes part of the Diocese
Of San Diego.
1950 Second church is built at same location as the
first church.
1951 Rev. William Van Garsse begins his 20 year pastorate.
There were 173 Catholic families in the Victor Valley area.
1953 St. Mary School and Convent is built in Apple Valley.
School opens with 87 children, 3 lay teachers and
Rev. Van Garsse as a teacher,
1954 Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Los Angeles come to
staff the school. During the next ten years, four additional
classrooms are added, convent enlarged, an auditorium and
library added along with an office for the principal and a staff
room.
1956 St. Mary Hospital is opened next to St. Mary School. Staffed by the
Brothers of St. John of God.
1963 The church is enlarged with a Mother’s chapel. A new
rectory is built.
1974 St. David Parish opens in Apple Valley, next to the hospital
and school. Later named Our Lady of the Desert Parish.
1978 St. Joan of Arc becomes part of the Diocese of San Bernardino.
1992 Holy Innocents Parish opens on the west side of Victorville.
Pastor List for St. Joan of Arc Parish
1922-1927 Mission of St. Joseph, Barstow
1927-1929 Rev. P.J. Beary
1929-1931 Rev. P.J. Murphy
1932-1935 Rev. J. P. Callighan
1935-1940 Rev. John McDonagh
1940-1941 Rev. Thomas Early
1941-1951 Rev. William Casey
1951-1971 Msgr. William Van Garsse
1971-1973 Rev. Russell Wilson
1973-1981 Rev. James Ganahl
1981-1984 Rev. John Ryan
1984-1987 Rev. Charles Yost, SCJ
1987-1995 Rev. John Slattery
1995-2001 Rev. Gerardo Mendoza
2001-2006 Rev. Santos Ortega
2006-2008 Rev. Gregorio Honorio, MS
2008- Rev. CiroLibanati
Prepared by: Diocesan Archives
April, 2014
