St. Mel Parish was established in 1955 under the leadership of Monsignor Michael J. O'Connor, pastor. At that time, the parish numbered 415 families. In the early days, liturgy was celebrated in a variety of settings including the Tarzana Women's Club House and the Canoga Park Theater.
Construction soon began on a church, an eight-classroom school, auditorium, convent and rectory. During this time, 13 different guilds were formed corresponding to the various geographic areas. These groups served to deepen community bonds, to promote an outreach program, to strengthen social ties, and to facilitate fundraising. On Sunday, May 18, 1958, the first liturgy was celebrated by the faithful of St. Mel in their new church.