PARISH HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE
Monsignor Thomas F. Kennedy of New York City, was the founding pastor of St. Bartholomew who served the parish for 38 years from 1937 to 1975. Following retirement, he continued to serve the parish as Pastor Emeritus. At the age of 86, Msgr. Kennedy died on February 16, 1986. Monuments to his superb pastoral direction include this beautiful church, social hall, rectory, and the off-site parish school, multi-purpose youth center, and convent at Fourth Street and Park Avenue. First and foremost, Msgr. Kennedy was a spiritual director and guide. His achievements in this field are known only to God and the many people he touched.
Monsignor Peter C. Caslin of County Roscommon, Ireland, was pastor from 1975 to 1984. Among Msgr. Caslin’s accomplishments were refurbishing the rectory, including changing office space into living quarters for the housekeeper, converting the old dining room into an office, and remodeling the new dining room to look out on the patio. Inside the church, the choir loft was remodeled and a new pipe organ was installed, the pews were refinished, carpeting was replaced, and a public-address system was installed. Post-Vatican II liturgical changes included the introduction of Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers in 1977, and the confessionals were converted for face-to-face reconciliation. The parish school closed in the late 1970s, and the parcel was subdivided, sold and redeveloped. In 1979, the youth center was converted into classrooms.
Monsignor Thomas McGovern of County Cavan, Ireland, was pastor from 1984 to 1991. During St. Bartholomew’s Golden Jubilee year in 1987, Monsignor launched plans for a much-needed expansion of parish facilities. He removed the Communion rails inside the church and completed an expansion of the parish hall, which included the Jubilee Room where parish meetings and early childhood religious education are held. A guest apartment, located above the Jubilee Room, expanded the rectory’s living quarters. Additional improvements included upgrading the heat and air-conditioning in the church, chapel, and hall, as well as remodeling the kitchen facilities in the hall. Msgr. McGovern was a community-builder, who renewed the Women’s Council and Parish Council, and formed a Men’s Club, Young Adult Community, and a Liturgy Committee. After retirement, Msgr. McGovern continued to serve as pastor emeritus until his death at the age of 93 on May 17, 2013.
Monsignor Jerome C. Elder of Ohio was pastor from 1991 until his retirement in 2002. He died the following year on June 30, 2003 at the age of 72. During his pastorate, Msgr. Elder upgraded the electrical circuitry throughout the church and chapel, in the hall, and at the youth center. A fire sprinkler system was installed in the church and chapel, which were also recarpeted.
Monsignor Sean B. Flanagan of County Roscommon, Ireland was pastor from 2002 to 2006. During Msgr. Flanagan’s pastorate, the exterior of the rectory was repainted, and the interior of the church and chapel were recarpeted. After retirement, he continues to serve as pastor emeritus. Currently, he resides at Nazareth House in West Los Angeles.
Monsignor Bernard M. Leheny of County Sligo, Ireland was pastor from 2006 to 2014. “Father Bernie’s” leadership, dedication, and spiritual guidance touched the lives of numerous parishioners. He launched a series of renovations inside the church, including the installation of hardwood flooring, refinishing the pews, installation of a permanent baptismal font, upgrading the Children’s Chapel, and refurbishing and converting the original baptistery to a prayer chapel. The contiguous church structure was tented and fumigated to prevent termite damage, and the interior and exterior of the church were repainted. Fr. Bernie oversaw the restoration of church furnishings, including the Stations of the Cross and the stained glass windows. Six new stained glass windows were installed—four in the vestibule and two in the sacristy. At the rectory, he reconfigured the living quarters, renovated the kitchen, upgraded the parish office, and repainted the interior and exterior of the building. During the parish’s Diamond Jubilee year, he led a full renovation of parish hall and restroom facilities. Fr. Bernie welcomed numerous non-Catholics into the parish community, initiated a pastoral council, and launched an adult faith formation program. He continues to serve as pastor emeritus.