Celebrating its 125th anniversary, the nearby St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church parish has played an integral role in the USC community.

Anniversary · St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, located on the corner of Figueroa Street and Adams Boulevard, is celebrating its 125th anniversary as a parish this year. The church, which works closely with the university, was constructed in 1925 with a donation from Edward L. Doheny, who also donated the Doheny Memorial Library. - Woodrow Clark | Daily Trojan

Built in 1925 as a gift from USC donor Edward L. Doheny, St. Vincent de Paul, located on Figueroa Street and Adams Boulevard, has played an active role in the USC Catholic community as well as the surrounding neighborhood.

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The church provides opportunities for USC students to get involved in the larger community through partnerships with organizations like JEP.

Brother Tony of St. Vincent de Paul Church has worked for 27 years at the church and said the church’s connection to USC over the years has strengthened in a variety of ways.

“Our association over the years with USC includes students working with the family of schools in our neighborhood that USC helps sponsor,” Brother Tony said. “Students come to masses and hold services through the USC Caruso Catholic Center throughout the year. Houses on The Row during Christmas time come and sponsor families in our communities who need assistance with meals and gifts.”

Brother Tony said, as an organization, the church works with USC on a number of different boards aimed at improving the larger community, and he has seen the neighborhood change in response to these partnerships.

“As a member of the Figueroa Corridor along with USC, we work to bring cooperation and services between the neighbors and community,” Brother Tony said.

Father Lawrence Seyer, pastor of USC Caruso Catholic Center, said St. Vincent de Paul has provided many opportunities for students to get involved in the neighborhood.

“Students from the Catholic Center teach confirmation there,” Father Seyer said. “It’s a way to give back to the community. Also the Society of St. Vincent de Paul looks after the poor and provides a number of services to the local community. They work with people in need and find them the help they need.”

Because of the construction of the new USC Catholic Center, St. Vincent de Paul has provided a larger parish for students to participate in.

Amanda Schubert, a sophomore majoring in business administration and cinematic arts, said St. Vincent de Paul provides opportunities for Catholic students at USC to practice their faith and to serve the community.

“It’s nice to have the church so close by with our Catholic center under construction,” Schubert said. “It’s another community of parishioners and a way for students to connect with the neighborhood.”