Beyond Palm Springs’ flamboyant midcentury homes, the holy buildings peppering the desert landscape reveal another dimension of the city’s architectural makeup. Constructed between the 1950s to early 70s, these Modernist churches experiment with the archetypal forms traditionally used in Christian chapels.
Designed by pioneering architects, such as Albert Frey, William Cody and Hal C Whittemore – the brilliant minds behind the millionaire playhouses that have become synonymous with the region – these sacred spaces were designed for the everyone. Ordinary members of the congregation could rub shoulders with the likes of Dwight D Eisenhower, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley, who worshipped in the Palm Springs churches.
With Modernism Week underway, take an armchair tour of the Modernist churches of Palm Springs.
Saint Theresa Catholic Church – William Cody (1968)
As one of the forerunners of Modernist architecture, Cody was responsible for many seminal buildings in Palm Springs including the public library. The exterior of this special church comprises curved walls and inside showcases soaring exposed wood beam ceilings.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Saint Theresa Catholic Church – William Cody (1968)
As one of the forerunners of Modernist architecture, Cody was responsible for many seminal buildings in Palm Springs including the public library. The exterior of this special church comprises curved walls and inside showcases soaring exposed wood beam ceilings.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Saint Theresa Catholic Church – William Cody (1968)
As one of the forerunners of Modernist architecture, Cody was responsible for many seminal buildings in Palm Springs including the public library. The exterior of this special church comprises curved walls and inside showcases soaring exposed wood beam ceilings.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
First Baptist Church Palm Spring, Howard Lapham (1963)
A dramatic, textured concrete block dominates the exterior of the First Baptist Church of Palm Springs; a similar style to Lapham’s ‘Chi Chi’ nightclub facade built four years prior. Geometric patterns adorn the walls while the foyer’s terrazzo floor includes a unique script inlay.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Palm Springs United Methodist, Hal C Whittemore (1965)
Poured concrete curved walls overlook a cast metal cross by artist JB Thompson set in a reflecting pond. A huge window provides a phenomenal view of the San Jacinto mountains and Elvis Presley’s favourite seat is marked with a plaque.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Palm Springs United Methodist, Hal C Whittemore (1965)
Poured concrete curved walls overlook a cast metal cross by artist JB Thompson set in a reflecting pond. A huge window provides a phenomenal view of the San Jacinto mountains and Elvis Presley’s favourite seat is marked with a plaque.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Weifels Mortuary, formerly the Desert Chapel, Albert Frey (1963)
Frey was a pioneer of ‘Desert Modernism,’ and this church is a typical example of his distinctive style. Intricate concrete block exterior walls and carved wood panels combine with geometric stained glass. The original phone system is still intact and the ‘egg’ chandeliers add a glitzy flourish.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Weifels Mortuary, formerly the Desert Chapel, Albert Frey (1963)
Frey was a pioneer of ‘Desert Modernism,’ and this church is a typical example of his distinctive style. Intricate concrete block exterior walls and carved wood panels combine with geometric stained glass. The original phone system is still intact and the ‘egg’ chandeliers add a glitzy flourish.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Weifels Mortuary, formerly the Desert Chapel, Albert Frey (1963)
Frey was a pioneer of ‘Desert Modernism,’ and this church is a typical example of his distinctive style. Intricate concrete block exterior walls and carved wood panels combine with geometric stained glass. The original phone system is still intact and the ‘egg’ chandeliers add a glitzy flourish.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, architect unknown (1963)
Despite the seemingly simple layout, there are subtle ‘modern’ touches to be found in this Palm Springs church. Spot brightly coloured mosaics, a low and long horizontal gable, terrazzo floors and a concrete block brise soleil in the protruding belltower.
Photography: Via Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, architect unknown (1963)
Despite its seemingly simple layout, there are subtle ‘modern’ touches to be found in this Palm Springs church. Spot brightly coloured mosaics, a low and long horizontal gable, terrazzo floors and a concrete block brise soleil in the protruding belltower.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, architect unknown (1963)
Despite its seemingly simple layout, there are subtle ‘modern’ touches to be found in this Palm Springs church. Spot brightly coloured mosaics, a low and long horizontal gable, terrazzo floors and a concrete block brise soleil in the protruding belltower.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, architect unknown (1963)
Despite its seemingly simple layout, there are subtle ‘modern’ touches to be found in this Palm Springs church. Spot brightly coloured mosaics, a low and long horizontal gable, terrazzo floors and a concrete block brise soleil in the protruding belltower.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
St Louis Catholic Cathedral City – Joseph F Dameron (dedicated in 1973)
The priority of this design was to bring the congregation closer to the two focuses of worship: the ambo and altar. Artist Gabriel Loire’s stained glass surrounds a semi-circular seating plan, which is unobstructed by columns to ensure good views.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
St Louis Catholic Cathedral City – Joseph F Dameron (dedicated in 1973)
The priority of this design was to bring the congregation closer to the two focuses of worship: the ambo and altar. Artist Gabriel Loire’s stained glass surrounds a semi-circular seating plan, which is unobstructed by columns to ensure good views.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
St Louis Catholic Cathedral City – Joseph F Dameron (dedicated in 1973)
The priority of this design was to bring the congregation closer to the two focuses of worship: the ambo and altar. Artist Gabriel Loire’s stained glass surrounds a semi-circular seating plan, which is unobstructed by columns to ensure good views.
Photography: Michael Kunkle
‘Sacred Places – Self Driving Tour of Palm Spring’s Midcentury Churches’ takes place during Modernism Week on 24 February, with tickets priced at $40
Read next: 9 legendary musicians’ homes you can visit
