At the time the North Highlands post office was established, in 1951, there were approximately 150 residents in the community, the majority of them living in the two new subdivisions of North Haven and The Highlands. From the names of these two subdivisions come the name which the area now bears.

The population of the area increased to 12,000 in 4 years. The late Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Armstrong, concerned about the spiritual needs of the expanding community, erected the parish of St. Lawrence on October 27, 1955 to serve the Catholics of North Highlands.

The Reverend Virgil Gabrielli was appointed its first pastor.