Many of you may have heard of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, as had we, but the area we live in is so sprawling, we've never driven to see it - until today! It opened in 1980 and had elaborate Christmas and Easter spectaculars that required tickets for the month-long shows. In all that, I never envisioned just how exquisite the buildings and grounds would be! It's not far from where I go for PT, so, with a break in the rain, I asked to have a look. It didn't disappoint!
In recent years it was purchased by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, and it seems to be going through renovations around the base. Even large cranes were easy to avoid in the pictures as there's so much that reaches to the sky! I didn't expect to be so overwhelmed with the beauty of it, but it was humbling!
I'm going into the hospital tomorrow for a minor surgery and will be there for a couple of days at most. With Ken's help, I may post some more pictures I took here today. Not to worry, please ♥
An awesome photo of this place. Really incredible. But --- NO kidding?? . You had never seen this place??? Our now defunct Marching Handbell Choir that John and I rang with for six or so years had our every monthly rehearsals in the basement of the Cathedral. We performed during church services there several times. It is really something inside..... or was before it was turned over to the Catholics. I know they have rehabbed and changed things!! (I remember when Robert Schuyller (spelling?) first came to Orange County and had his church services in the lot of a drive in theater. My parents took us over for a service one time, just to see it and experience it. Different...... using the theater speakers to hear Schuyler speak.)
Had to fav this..... Awesome capture plus -- Such an iconic southern CA. structure..... and memories for John and me..... driving up there at least once a month for several years for rehearsals.....
Hey, me again. I forgot your comment about going into the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Know Ken will be a great caregiver........
@aglennc On all counts, THANK YOU, Anita! Yes, can you believe today felt much as we did when touring the Gaudy church in Barcelona! I suppose we tend to seek everything out when we travel, but don't go far from home when we're in our own towns! Nice to read about your connection!
@maggiemae The extensive grounds and several buildings make up all that the name encompasses! The big building on the right is actually the cathedral, built entirely of glass panes!
Both buildings are stunning! How funny that you had never seen it even though it was close to home! We definitely make more effort when travelling to search out the extraordinary! My thoughts are with you for tomorrow what a relief it will be for you once you are sorted! Fav!
As the picture scrolled up I thought it was in Barcelona!! I'm sure that must have been an inspiration. Remember how many of us will be thinking of you Louise as you have some repairs done! :-) All the best!
I remember hearing about this building many years ago. It looks amazing. We lived in Cairns on the far north coast of Queensland for 4 years and hadnt even been out to the Barrier Reef until we were about to leave! Love and hugs for your time in hospital and hope its a quick recovery for you.
the reflection of the palm trees on the glass windows are absolutely precious. beautiful composition. they might want to use this as a promo cover for their brochures. get well and heal fast, my lady.
Beautiful capture of it! I used to watch them on TV, long ago. I'm glad, through all their issues, there is something of beauty left behind and people to take good care of it. Good luck tomorrow!
Amazing buildings and architecture. My problem with modern architecture is, : they don`t look very inviting. There is no insite in it. Otherwise I`m always very impressed by them and the give me a lot of insparation. .
I can't believe you've never been here! Amazing story behind this place, for those who are not aware. Rev. Schuler began preaching at a drive-in movie parking lot for those who wanted to go to church, but not get out of their cars. Isn't that just so Southern Californian? He eventually grew it into the Crystal Cathedral, and the Easter and Christmas extravaganzas were just that. I thought my dad was gonna have a heart attack when a camel came down the aisle, coming up from behind him, and nuzzled his head. Angels literally flying across the cathedral, cows and sheep - not THAT's authentic! Too bad they had to sell off.
I must've missed the news about your surgery Louise, sorry. I do hope all went well and that you're back to your usual bubbly self asap. This building is amazing, I'd love to see in 'in the flesh'. I assume the tall building is the bell-tower??
@golftragic Not writing heaps, but thought of you when my mouth was swabbed for MRSA because I'd just been in the hospital only weeks before!!! WTF is happening do you suppose???! Crazy making! More another time. Thanks for the note
@photographycrazy I'm feeling heaps better, Bill, thanks! Glad I could share this image; people can't believe I've never been by to see it myself until now!
January 30th, 2017
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Good luck for your surgery