Architect's Corner: First Church of Christ, Scientist in Palos Verdes Estates By Local Architect and Interior Designer Luis de Moraes
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, was originally created in Boston, Massachusetts.
In 1954, dozens of members of the Christian Science Church started to discuss erecting a new house of prayer in Palos Verdes Estates. At the time, church meetings were mostly held at La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes Estates; though the church was gaining popularity a larger facility became imperative. Today, the church has a large congregation and has become a strong community resource for the faithful.
I was recently invited to walk through the Church to iterate on the idea of expanding the facility to include a new reading room and multi-purpose area.
On my way to visit the site to meet with church leaders, I immediately experienced the serene driveway of the property, which sits between expansive lawns and number of large mature trees including eucalyptus and pine trees. I was delighted to see this wonderful architectural structure in great synergy with this beautiful natural setting.
The building was located at the center of the three-acre property, oriented in a way to capitalize on its magnificent surroundings. The mostly rectangular footprint, or ground area of the building, is oriented from West to East, approximately 200-feet long and 90-feet wide.
The structure of the First Church of Christian Scientist is divided into five parts. Most notably, the north-facing façade exposes the main church gable structure, a 300-seat auditorium that’s accessible from the interior courtyard, a “Roman” arch arcade that provides access to the courtyard, and the school wing at the west end.
The style of the architecture is a blend of Mediterranean characteristics. Inspiration from both the simple nature of Spanish Colonial design. The large plaster gable ends, with a focal point of a single large fenestration element centered on the ridge of the roof. And the rhythmic colonnade outside the naive, adding an Italian flavor rich full of interest. A classic detail adding rhythm, uniting each the two wings, adding a rememberable form to the overall composition.
Uniquely designed, each intermediate support of the colonnade is composed of flanking rectangular plaster columns engaged to a larger center brick pier, which modestly carries higher than the colonnade, capped with a simple spire.
Many of the original buildings of Palos Verdes Estates have been designed in the image of Mediterranean architecture, which is characterized by gabled tile roofs, brick facades, stucco walls, arched openings, and indoor-outdoor living.
Designed by architect Carrington H. Lewis in the late 1960s, the project was completed in 1970.
Lewis was the son of P.P. Lewis, who was another renowned Los Angeles architect. He grew up with a pencil in his hands and exposure to abundant architectural history, eventually building up his passion and attending the University of Southern California.
His impact to the city of Palos Verdes Estates included a number of public buildings, such as the Palos Verdes Estates City Hall; Palos Verdes High School, (in collaboration with architects Richard Neutra and Robert Alexander;) Los Angeles Unified School District in Rancho Palos Verdes; and Security-First National Bank in Palos Verdes Estates.
The conception of any architectural idea often stems from a fusion of needs, forward thinking, social considerations, current technology and political influence.
Make sure to experience this successful example of architectural design, and unique Palos Verdes landmark.
Research based on publication:
Pacific Coast Architecture Database
News articles from Peninsula News 1970
Material provided by the First Church of Christ Scientist
Additional Information:
Los Angeles Conservancy Website:
Palos Verdes Estates does not have a historic preservation ordinance.
The lack of any historical preservation policies limits the city from protecting its privately owned, antique structures. Palos Verdes Estates was master-planned by the notable landscape architect and planner Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and contains numerous houses that were erected at the community’s inception and through the postwar era.
The city has a unique design review process that oversees new construction only. The Palos Verdes Homes Association is a private organization that has deed restrictions on every property in the City set in the 1920s. Any visual change to a building inside of private property requires authorization from city staff or the Art Jury, based on the 1920s restrictions. This process is unable to prevent the loss of existing historic structures. While the early construction in the city is well inventoried, many postwar and modern structures designed by master architects have not been surveyed—pointing to the need for a citywide survey of historic resources.
For more information on the church: christiansciencepvp.org
Luis de Moraes AIA – ASID – LEED AP BD+C
EnviroTechno Architecture Inc.
Comments to luis@envirotechno.com
Collaboration: Criss Gunderson AIA