Words by Dylan Lanier
Religious architecture has often stood at the forefront of innovation in technology and design. The First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto is no exception, with its commanding walls, striking stained glass and graceful sanctuary. Established in 1894, the assembly decided in 1957 to replace its white stucco sanctuary with one substantial enough to accommodate its growing membership and inspire the congregation. Dr. R. Marvin Stuart led a four-year planning effort that aimed to create a house of worship that could be used for more than religious services by welcoming the community to musical and cultural events. Architect Carlton Arthur Steiner, a U.C. Berkeley professor who had never designed a church before, brought a bold vision to the project. After submitting countless designs, Steiner got the green light for this “contemporary gothic” structure and formed 19 concrete piers. Inside, 1,500 brilliantly-hued glass inserts were placed in the steeply sloping roof and 600-pound circular lighting fixtures of spun steel and brass were bolted to the ceiling. Steiner and Stuart mischievously scaled the scaffolding to mark their initials high above the chancel.
As the years passed, dozens of strategically-placed buckets had to be deployed to catch leaks during rainstorms. Repairs completed in 2018 ensured that congregants could once again stay dry in the sanctuary in any weather. Another highlight of this building’s design is the undulating face of the balcony, which enhances the acoustics, a befitting choice for the frequent concerts it hosts for Philharmonia Baroque, New Century Chamber Orchestra and Midsummer Mozart Festival. The church also houses the majestic Merritt C. Speidel Memorial Organ, where TikToker Anna Lapwood performed Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar soundtrack across its keys and pedals last year. More than half a century later, this hymn to bold architecture continues to catch the eye of congregants and
passersby alike.