OJAI : Swap With City Could Save Chapel

The historic St. Thomas Aquinas chapel, an Ojai Valley landmark threatened by earthquake safety standards, could be saved under a proposal that could end religious services in the 73-year-old church.

The chapel, started in 1905, was rebuilt with unreinforced masonry after a 1917 fire and would have only a slim chance of surviving a medium-sized earthquake, according to city officials.

Church officials continue to celebrate Mass at the chapel three times a week, even though the parish built a new church in Meiners Oaks in 1963.

Father Patrick Keane said some parishioners are reluctant to lose the chapel for religious services, despite the danger.

“There are people who grew up in that chapel, got married, were baptized,” Keane said.

“It’s such a beautiful building,” said 88-year-old Bob Browne, curator of the Ojai Valley Museum. Browne considers the chapel one of three historical landmarks in Ojai, including the Arcade and the post office, all of which were constructed in the mission style.

About $250,000 is needed to reinforce the chapel--money that the church lacks.

“Right now, I can’t see any way,” said Deacon Bill Olivas. “We only have one real fund-raiser a year . . . and that barely brings in $20,000.”

The proposal under consideration would involve transferring the chapel to the city and moving the museum collection, the visitor information center and an abandoned library to the chapel grounds.

Councilman Steve Olsen said such a plan, which enjoys “overwhelming support” in the community, would mean the end of religious services in the chapel.

The city could generate funds for restoring the chapel by selling the city property vacated by the museum, Olsen said. The $100,000 the museum has raised could also be used, Olsen said.

Olsen believes this arrangement could eliminate earthquake hazards to the chapel “with a minimal amount of new money.” He said he hoped it would also lead to a long-term project to restore the chapel.

Such a large-scale project, including work on some of the woodwork, masonry and stained glass windows, could cost up to $1.3 million, according to one estimate.

Church officials had no comment on the proposal. Father Keane said parishioners would be consulted before any decision is made.