Archives Department of the Diocese of Orange

Part of our mission is to collect, preserve, organize, and make available for research the permanently valuable records and artifacts that reflect the work of the Diocese of Orange, its people and institutions. Our history is linked to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as the Diocese of Orange was established out of Los Angeles in 1976. Many of our records document Los Angeles history.

The Diocese has played a major role in the shaping of Orange County history, and more recently, in helping preserve the history of the former Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. The Dr. Fred Swann collection (currently processing) documents world-renowned organist Frederick Swann. Dr. Swann served as the organist at the Crystal Cathedral for sixteen years, and later served at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles in 1998.