St. Joan of Arc History

ST. JOAN OF ARC PARISH, VICTORVILLE

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 mRev. 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.

2022

St. Joan of Arc celebrated its 100th-Anniversary

Pastor List for St. Joan of Arc Parish