This historic church was dedicated in 1951 in a spectacular location overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, south of Los Angeles. As you approach the Wayfarers Chapel, it is barely visible inside the grove of redwood trees that surround it.
Architect Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the church as a "tree chapel" of glass, Palos Verdes stone, and redwood beams.
Lloyd Wright had this to say about the design of the chapel: "I wanted particularly to allow those trees (that surround the church) and those trunks to be seen, and the space beyond and into infinity to be observed, so those who sat in the sanctuary would perceive the grandeur of space out beyond and around them. For that purpose, I used the glass so that the natural growth, the sky, and the sea beyond became the definition of their environment, but they get the protection of the glass enclosure."
The Wayfarers Chapel is affiliated with The Swedenborgian Church, which was founded by 18th century scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg. It was conceived as a respite for all wayfarers on the journey of life. The church states in its literature that the power of the Wayfarers Chapel is a blend of the sacred purpose and beauty that people experience.
The beauty and serenity of this special place are only about a half hour south of LAX.
Welcome to my collection of photographs and commentary on historic homes and buildings in various cities. I'm most interested in apartment buildings and multi-family homes, but will include any building that appeals to me.
Showing posts with label historic churches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historic churches. Show all posts
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
A Country Church in the City
I drive by this beautiful historic church every day on the way to work. It always strikes a chord with me and makes me feel, for just a moment, as if I've been transported to a scenic setting in rural Georgia. Actually, Sardis United Methodist Church is in the heart of the Buckhead section of Atlanta.
This lovely church has been used in movie and television shoots. A scene in the recent cable remake of Steel Magnolias was set here.
There's a bell tower, but no steeple.
This historic marker tells the story of the congregation which dates to the 1830's.
Historic Sardis Cemetery next to the church was established in 1869.
In this view you get a better idea of the setting. Some of the highrises near Lenox Square in Buckhead are visible in the distance.
Sardis United Methodist Church is located on Powers Ferry Road near the intersection of Roswell Road in Buckhead.
This lovely church has been used in movie and television shoots. A scene in the recent cable remake of Steel Magnolias was set here.
There's a bell tower, but no steeple.
This historic marker tells the story of the congregation which dates to the 1830's.
Historic Sardis Cemetery next to the church was established in 1869.
In this view you get a better idea of the setting. Some of the highrises near Lenox Square in Buckhead are visible in the distance.
Sardis United Methodist Church is located on Powers Ferry Road near the intersection of Roswell Road in Buckhead.
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