On the corner, where the Makers Market was occurring, there was a historical plaque telling us that this church has been here since 1894. We have been to Carlsbad numerous times and have never taken notice of it before. What the heck!?
The background history is pretty interesting. The 1890s decade was one of terrible drought. The population in Carlsbad dropped to 155, almost half the number from just three years before. A general slowdown in the village’s growth occurred as the combined forces of drought and national economic depression affected the city. By 1890, land values had dropped and many had left the area.History books note that one of the few positive additions to the town during this time was the establishment of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.The grassroots help came from the energetic Rev. William E. Jacob, a young missionary priest from Oceanside. As a result of the advertisement campaign in England, that promoted the American West, many English citizens formed expatriate communities in San Luis Rey, Carlsbad, and Encinitas. Episcopal missionary priests established small missions in their communities.Three families, the Ramsays, the Shipleys, and the Shaws, were all founding members of St. Michael’s Church. They provided money, labor, and land in order to start the parish. It was built in 1894 and consecrated by the Bishop of California in November of that year. How very cool that 127 years later, the original church still stands though now it is in the shadow of the "new" church which thoroughly intrigued us!We found, by reading this wall of history, that the architect for the 1950s church was one of our very favorites: Albert Frey. We were beyond excited!The architectural firm of Frey and Chambers of Palm Springs was engaged to guide the members of St. Michael’s in developing their plans. They were responsible for the design of the exterior as well as the interior of the church. There were many who wondered about the modernistic design, and what the committee was actually doing in supporting the so-called “newfangled” ideas for the building of an Episcopal Church, which historically had the traditional shape of a cross.When we peeked into the chapel door, and expressed our awe at this being a Frey creation, Father Doran's ears perked up. The three of us were giddy mid-century modern fans, especially devoted to Frey's architecture. Doran allowed us to meander through the church and photograph freely. His enthusiasm was addictive and I suggested we needed some sort of event to celebrate Frey's work. Oh man, what a blast.A huge highlight was when we were given the opportunity to study the actual architectural renderings. When Doran came to St. Michael's in 2005, he found Frey's originals hidden within the archives. WOW.This design is very similar to the North Shore Beach & Yacht Club he crafted at the Salton Sea. Now that would have gotten the congregation in an uproar, no doubt, though the ship theme fits the 'by-the-sea' aspect.When ogling the church, we noticed immediately the similarity to the Albert Frey & Robson Chambers designed Tramway Gas Station in Palm Springs. The architectural icon of Palm Springs was built in 1965--seven years after the church was built. I love them both! Who knew?From the Architects: “We were asked to create an economical design, permanent in materials, and deeply religious in feeling. The simple, unadorned structure of reinforced concrete block and exposed wood beams reflect the honest strength and serenity of the building. The design elements are created to express the traditional and liturgical requirements of the church and the character of the historical coastland.” After exploring this magnificent structure, I believe they way exceeded their desired goal.
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1 comments:
Wow. What amazing places in Carlsbad that I haven’t been. I will be sure to check them out! The interior of the first church is fabulous.
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