Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church held their Centenary Celebration on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The church also revealed its new “California Mission” look, pictured right. The building was dedicated on February 1, 1976. In 1914 Fillmore was a mission of St. Sebastian Parish in Santa Paula, ten miles west of Fillmore. The priests from Santa Paula offered Holy Mass in backyards and classrooms and helped the small but growing number of Catholics raise funds through fiestas, bazaars and raffles. In 1924 they petitioned Bishop John J. Cantwell to supply a priest and church for Fillmore. The bishop had a great concern for the spiritual welfare of his people. Over a period of 30 years, Bishop Cantwell created 50 parishes and missions as the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and San Diego. In 1926, by God’s grace, the tiny church located at the corner of First Street and Central Avenue in Fillmore was one of them, serving the community as a beacon of faith. Numerous baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations and first communions were celebrated there, as well as daily and Sunday Mass for the growing number of the devout. Photo credit Gazette staff.