Pablo Galtes helped establish Bakersfield’s Catholic community in the early 1870's. The first Mass celebrated in Bakersfield was said in the back of Pablo’s store on 19th Street near Chester Avenue. Eleven family members are buried in the crypt. To the north are the Howell family plots. The Howells were highly active in building St. Francis Church and gave great help to Mercy Hospital. On August 7, 1952, William Howell was awarded the Papal Knighthood of St. Gregory for his outstanding service to the Catholic community. The next stone cross marks the burial place of Rev. Patrick Lennon, pastor of St. Francis from 1897 to 1904.