In 1921 (and completed in 1922) the move to organize a local Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (Feast of the Holy Spirit) IRMANDADE (Brotherhood) and a new, permanent Feast/serving Hall site was led by Manuel Oliveira (aka “M.O.”) Medina and the Medina Family. Lore has it that M.O. Medina’s father made the statement (referring to the previously used Cabrillo Pavilion) that, “O Senhor Espirito Santo nao paga renda a ninguem” (translation: “The Holy Spirit pays rent to no one.“) – The first major goal was to purchase the property for this Portuguese community hall and Chapel (aka Imperio Capella). Donations were solicited from the local Portuguese community, as well as from other Portuguese communities dispersed throughout California (perhaps following Manuel F. Cabral’s example 30 years before??? – ed.). – Two men, Mr. MANUEL CORREIA from Madeira and Mr. JOE RODGERS (José Rodrigues) from Pico, Azores; stepped forward and offered to lend $500 each (equivalent to $6,345 each today) to buy a suitable property, 2818 Addison St., with the stipulation that they would be reimbursed by the Irmandade. In order to clear the debt, tuna fishermen pledged one day’s catch in the summer of 1921. As construction on the new hall began, each boat also pledged the labor of one fisherman for the duration of the construction, making sure that that the fisherman fully shared on that trip’s catch.
Of special interest is the Império Capella (aka Chapel) located adjacent to the hall. It was constructed by Mr. JOSEPH ATHAYDE (aka. José Ataide, a carpenter), Mr. JOHN LUCAS (aka. João Lucas, a mason), and Mr. FRANK BROWN (aka. Francisco Brum,), a painter. The design of the Chapel (Imperio Capella) draws on the architecture of the Império Capelas in the Azores Islands. – Thus was created (in 1922) the United Portuguese Sociedade do Espirito Santo (U.P.S.E.S, Inc.), in Roseville, Point Loma, San Diego. The U.P.S.E.S., also known as “the Hall” or “Portuguese Hall” is governed by thirty members, elected by secret vote at the annual business meeting or Festa das Contas. This board in turn elects it’s own President, Vice-President, Secretary & Treasurer. – The U.P.S.E.S. is a Non-Profit (501C-3) Corporation and is located at 2818 Avenida de Portugal (formerly Addison St.), Point Loma, San Diego. – The purposes of the U.P.S.E.S. are as follows:
A. To Encourage Religious and Civic activities.
B. To Promote, Further and Support the Welfare of the Community.
C. To Foster Sociability and Develop a Fraternal Spirit among the people of the Community.
Membership in the U.P.S.E.S. is open to all members of the Portuguese community and their families by signing the membership book. There is no cost or fee to be a member.