Wayfarer's Chapel
/Mr. K and I are both lovers of architecture, and this chapel represented to us that commonality. We wanted a place that was beautiful and close to the coast. Many in California have seen or heard about this little chapel. But there are many of you that may be seeing it for the first time.
It is indeed made of glass and is situated on the cliffs above the Pacific in Palos Verdes, California. One of the most intriguing things for us, after it's beautiful setting and amazing architecture, was the fact that it was designed and built by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright: Lloyd Wright.
“I wanted particularly to allow those trees 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.”
“The great cathedrals of redwood inspired me to use the redwoods here. In earlier days all over the face of the earth there were chapels in glades and the woods which were meeting places for the priests and the people. The Chapel was to be a place for people to meet, and think, and contemplate the forces of nature and God Almighty. The setting of this Chapel is to receive people, the wayfarers.”
Excerpts from A Visit with the Architect 1974
Wright Family Photo. That must be Lloyd being taught who was the real boss in this family
Lloyd Wright
The chapel interior needed no adornment. And really, none are allowed. There are ferns and orchids growing all around the edges, and a beautifully trained tree is framed above the altar.
The chapel at night glowing with welcoming light.
A view of the chapel surrounded by a grove of trees. Sort of a magical place.
The view from the steps of the chapel looking out at the Pacific. Is it not one of the most beautiful settings? We thought so.
And finally, the happy couple: me and Mr. K
To see more photos of the Wayfarer's Chapel, learn about it's history and it's religious philosophy, click here.