Day Out – The Crystal Cathedral
Woman in the Middle | March 3, 2014As I mentioned a while back we went with our out-of-town family to visit the Crystal Cathedral In Garden Grove. The great thing about having people visit is it turns you into a sightseer, too. And I think we all tend to forget that there are lots of interesting things to see in our own back yard.
Uncle Jim had always wanted to see the Crystal Cathedral. Since it is located only about an hour from our home, we decided to make that happen for him. The Crystal Cathedral was built by televangelist Robert H. Schuller. If you live in So Cal you have definitely heard of it. Every November and December commercial’s would appear on TV about the amazing nativity play they put on using real animals. It was from there that Schuller’s Hour or Power was broadcast. That is why my husband’s uncle wanted to visit it, because he has watched Hour of Power for many years. We were all about making the 89-year-old from out-of-town happy so as soon as we found out he wanted to see it we were in the car and headed to Garden Grove.
The main sanctuary building is the largest all glass building in the world, designed by well-known American architect Phillip Johnson. Out front is the “Tower of Hope” which looks like it is made from giant crystal stalactites, but is actually very shiny chrome coated metal. The glass building reflects the chrome tower, resulting in opportunities for some pretty photos, even for amateurs like me.
There are large religious statues located around the property, but even if that isn’t your thing the architecture alone is worth a quick stop. While I called this post a “day out” it is more like a stop while on your way to or from somewhere else.
Around behind the cathedral in a separate building were the public restrooms. Ladies, the women’s restroom took my breath away! It was all marble and cherry wood with shiny gold-colored fixtures. and black sinks and toilets. When my daughter and I, and then Cousin Kim, walked in, our jaws dropped. I felt way better about taking photos of the bathroom when Cousin Kim whipped out her camera! But none of my photos came anywhere close to showing this ladies room in all its glory.
Cousin Kim taking a photo in the ladies bathroom
The cathedral and surrounding campus were sold to the Catholic diocese of Orange County in 2011. The inside of the sanctuary is being renovated and will reopen in 2016. It has been renamed ”Christ Cathedral.”
Beautiful! Family time is always a good time. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
Sounds like a great day out
Wow! That place is utterly amazing!