Historical Timeline
Bishop Charles F. Buddy Dedicates St. Mary’s of the Wayside Chapel
1950
The foundation for St. Vincent de Paul Village was laid in April 1950 when Bishop Charles F. Buddy dedicated St. Mary's of the Wayside Chapel at 811 F Street in downtown San Diego.Joseph Carroll Graduates from Grammar School
1955
Joseph Carroll graduated from St. Joseph's grammar school in the Bronx.St. Mary’s of the Wayside Chapel Moves to Gaslamp
1962
Under the direction of Father Edward Kokosoka, St. Mary's of the Wayside Chapel and thrift store moved to 630 Fourth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter.Joe Carroll Moves to Southern California
1963
Joe Carroll moved from the Bronx to Southern California.St. Vincent de Paul Center is Born
1964
St. Mary's of the Wayside and the thrift shop merged and became the St. Vincent de Paul Center under Father Lawrence Geoghan.Demands at St. Vincent de Paul Grow
1970
During this decade, St. Vincent de Paul Center at 4th and Market Street met increasing demands for services from the poor and impoverished people who lived in the area and were impacted by the revitalization of the Gaslamp Quarter that began in earnest in 1974.
Father Joe Assigned to St. Rita Parish
1980
Father Joe was assigned to St. Rita Parish, San Diego, under the pastor, Rev. Frances Pattison.St. Vincent de Paul Center Moves
05-11-1981
St. Vincent de Paul Center moved to 1550 Market Street and was dedicated by Bishop Leo T. Maher on May 11th.Father Joe Begins Tradition of Handing out PBJ Sandwiches
1982
Once Father Joe became the new director of the St. Vincent de Paul Center he began his tradition of handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to those experiencing poverty and homelessness in San Diego.Father Joe Carroll Takes Over St. Vincent de Paul Center
1982
Following 16 years of service, Msgr. Joseph Topping retired as head of St. Vincent de Paul Center. San Diego Bishop Leo T. Maher assigned Father Joe Carroll to take over and establish a "preferential option" for our community's neighbors in need.15th Street and Imperial Avenue Set for Future Expansion
1982
Msgr. Joseph Topping purchased land at 15th Street and Imperial Avenue for the future expansion of the St. Vincent de Paul Center.Father Joe founds the Ladies of Charity, Auxiliary
1983
Father Joe founded the Ladies of Charity, Auxiliary- an all-volunteer corps. Members assist in fund raising activities and volunteer their talents in many programs at the Center.
