Crystal Cathedral
“We are perishing from lack of wonder, not for lack of wonders.” - G.K. Chesterton.
I have visited many churches and religious institutions around the world but this one in my backyard definitely ranks against anything I have seen on my travels.
Christ Cathedral, formerly and informally known as the Crystal Cathedral, is an American church building of the Diocese of Orange, located in Garden Grove, California. The reflective glass building, by the firm of Philip Johnson/John Burgee Architects, seats about 3000 people.
The entire complex is an architectural marvel; known worldwide for its inspiring beauty and breathtaking scale and definitely worth a visit.
Composed of over 10,000 panes of glass glued together, the church was touted as "the largest glass building in the world" when it was completed in 1981. There was a service underway when I visited so I quietly snuck into a pew and gazed around in awe and sneaked in a few photos.
The church houses the Hazel Wright Memorial Organ, one of the largest pipe organs in the world built by Fratelli Ruffati in Padova, Italy.
I wonder what it would be like to attend a service here at sunset or sunrise?
An Orange County landmark, the Crean Tower is a 236 foot stainless steel mirrored spire over 18 stories tall. The 52 bell carillon consists of bells that range from six inches to nearly six feet forged in the Netherlands and had to be lifted in place by two cranes working in tandem.
Below the tower is the Mary Hood Prayer Chapel, a circular structure set with 33 solid, multi-colored marble cylindrical columns, representing Jesus’ 33 years of life, and 12 white columns representing the 12 apostles. A bronze plaque on the floor seals a prayer capsule located beneath the altar that contains 33,000 unopened prayers received from around the globe, representing future generations.
The five-floor, 53,056-square-foot Cultural Center is the capstone of the iconic Christ Cathedral campus. Designed by architect Richard Meier, who is known for his commission of the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Jubilee Church in Rome, Italy, the design complements the existing architecture of the other unique and beautiful buildings on the campus.
The Cultural Center’s lower level houses an indoor-outdoor reception area and the 298-seat Freed Performing Arts Theatre, which features surround sound electronics and a movable orchestra pit. The theatre is available for rentals and has hosted movie premieres, theatrical presentations, concerts and other special events.
This building houses the pastoral center I believe with the stained glass windows catching the eye.
Cathedral Memorial Gardens, the final resting place for Rev. Robert and Arvella Schuller, restaurateur Marie Callender, and pianist Roger Williams;
The Tower of Hope was the tallest building in Orange County when it opened, a distinction it held for more than 10 years. Named after New Hope Ministries, the building housed the very first 24-hour suicide prevention hotline (714-NEW-HOPE).
I have worked less than 15 minutes away from this destination for the last 15 years and yet never visited until now. As they say things happen when the time is right and this was the right time to visit.