This year, Good Shepherd Catholic School is celebrating its 95th anniversary, culminating in a gala at Il Cielo on Oct. 11 and Mass the following day. It is the only Catholic school in the city and holds a history as rich as Beverly Hills itself.
“GSBH remains the only Catholic school in Beverly Hills and since 1930, has stood as a beacon of faith, learning, and community spirit—weathering the storms of history and emerging ever stronger. Through the turmoil of the Great Depression, the darkness of World War II, the founding of global institutions like the United Nations, the tense days of the Cold War, the digital revolution brought by the Internet, the heartbreak of 9/11, and countless other pivotal moments, our school has remained steadfast in its mission,” reads the school’s website.
Good Shepherd Catholic School started in 1930 by the Holy Cross Sisters, who were stewards of both the school and the parish, which celebrated its centennial in 2023. The church received a historical landmark designation the same year, which was facilitated by former Cultural Heritage Commissioner Kimberly Vinokur Reiss.
“I think that the churches are a fundamental part of the history of our city,” said Reiss, on the school’s 95th anniversary.
What allows Good Shepherd to continue for 95 years? “Faith as the foundation,” says Christine Redlin, the marketing and outreach specialist for the school.
“For nearly a century, our school has been the cornerstone of faith, learning, and community here in Beverly Hills … we celebrate our students and our families in a way that we highlight our faith, our learning and our existence in this wonderful community,” said Principal Lisa Widmann, who’s been with Good Shepherd for over 25 years.
Widmann described the relationship between the city and the school as strong and something she is fortunate to have. She said they are “all part of this wonderful Beverly Hills family,” and that the city is very supportive of how they educate their students. Father Ed Benioff, pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, spoke to the interfaith connections with other religious institutions and with members of the council who are Jewish, especially during residents’ heightened concerns about antisemitism and religious intolerance. He also mentioned the exchange of facilities between Sinai Temple in West Los Angeles and his strong relationship with Rabbi Erez Sherman.
“We really appreciate the support of the city, because sometimes, church and state, we are a religious school. In my time here, in 10 years, I’ve received nothing but support and goodwill,” expressed Benioff.
Beverly Hills City Council formally recognized Good Shepherd’s 95 years at its meeting on Sept. 30.
“Congratulations on behalf of myself and my colleagues on the Beverly Hills City Council. We’re absolutely delighted, and we appreciate the number of years and dedication you have given to our most important citizens, our young people,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian.
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who represents Beverly Hills, also weighed in on the school’s enduring legacy. “For nearly a century, Good Shepherd has been much more than a school—it is a cornerstone of Beverly Hills, embodying the spirit of faith, compassion, and commitment to service that defines our community. This incredible milestone is a testament to the dedication of its teachers, families, and alumni who have nurtured generations with love and excellence. I am excited to celebrate not only its rich history, but the enduring impact Good Shepherd continues to have on shaping compassionate leaders and uplifting our community.”
Both the church and the school have been attended by a variety of notable alumni, including California’s 37th Governor, Joseph Graham “Gray” Davis Jr., who served from 1999 to 2003.
“When my family moved to California, the first school I attended was Good Shepherd, and it was one of the best,” Davis told the Courier.
