Santa Monica (CA) Ward: Mural Detail

I wish I knew more about the history of this mural at the back of the chapel. It was painted by Joseph Gibby, who also painted the murals in the Los Angeles Temple Baptistry and a few other temples. Joseph was not in California until 1926, so it was very likely added after the building's dedication.

Pioneers enter the Salt Lake Valley on the left side. You can see Native Americans in the valley below. A pioneer couple on the right side gaze on the Salt Lake Temple (or a vision of it) above them. To the right, you can see normal buildings of the city (including the capitol building).

Santa Monica (CA) Ward: Stained Glass Details

This window was donated by Alfred W. McCune and his wife (a Utah resident who supported the Church). A similar window can be found in the nearby Redondo Beach Ward. Those are the only 2 examples of stained glass that I am aware of that depict this event.

The window is naturally lit. Since I visited in the morning, it wasn't as brightly lit, especially at the top. (The chapel faces west.) It was still lovely to view.

 

Santa Monica (CA) Ward: Interior

 This chapel has a beautiful setting. At the front is an art glass window depicting Joseph Smith receiving the gold plates from the Angel Moroni.

 

 At the back of the chapel is a large mural of the pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. The Salt Lake Temple rises above them.

The window and painting are too significant to not have their own posts, so keep an eye out for their highlights.

Santa Monica (CA) Ward

Originally known as the Ocean Park building, this meetinghouse in downtown Santa Monica was dedicated in 1922 by Heber J. Grant. (You can even see him in this picture, along with members of the ward.)

(Image Source: Church History Library)

(Image Source: Church History Library)

The building looks much different now; a renovation in the late 1950s completely changed the exterior. It was built in the mission style; I'm not sure what I'd call this style.

The good news is that they didn't move the art glass window, and many of the chapel's details remain intact.

The chapel had some additions built on in later years, creating an open courtyard that is common to many chapels in this area.

The plague that was originally on the exterior of the building is now on display in the lobby.

More pictures to come!