In a heartbreaking turn of events, the iconic Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, is being dismantled due to a rapidly accelerating decades-old landslide. Designed by Lloyd Wright, son of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the chapel was a symbol of harmony with nature, nestled among redwoods and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The earth beneath the chapel is moving at an unprecedented rate of 2 feet per month, causing irreparable damage to the structure. The Rev. Dan Burchett, the chapel’s executive director, described the situation as dangerous, with the ground breaking apart beneath their feet.
Despite its designation as a National Historic Landmark, the chapel had to be closed due to the worsening effects of the landslide. The damage includes cracks in the cornerstone, buckling asphalt, and fractured glass panels, making it unsafe for visitors.
Crews are now working to disassemble the chapel in order to preserve the original materials for a potential rebuild. The reconstruction is estimated to take four years and cost at least $20 million, excluding the cost of acquiring a new plot of land in the expensive area.
The chapel, known as “The Glass Church,” has been a popular location for movies, weddings, and worship services. Its closure has left a void in the community, with many expressing sadness over the loss of this beloved landmark. Despite the challenges ahead, Burchett remains hopeful that the chapel will rise again and continue to serve as a place of spiritual connection and unity with nature.