TheTraveler

 

A Welcome Interlude on a Corkscrew Road
By Jeanina Bartling

Just when the twisty, turny gyrations of Highway 1 began to sap our enthusiasm and energy, the Sea Ranch Chapel hove into view. This stretch along the spectacularly picturesque Northern California coast is invigoratingly fresh and fun. But you can take only so many curves and curls, no matter how pervasive the charm.
So it was with a blend of relief and fascinated curiosity that we turned into the grounds of what looked for all the world like the home of an elfin creature.

As the winding entry road drew us nearer, we could see that the design of the enchanting chapel mimicked its natural surroundings. Perhaps the undulating cedar roofline that ended at the peak with a pinnacle of bronze spray pantomimed the rolling waves and tossed spray of its neighbor, the Pacific Ocean, across the road. Or did it impersonate nearby wind-swept trees? No matter. Its very real aura enthralled us.

“This non-denominational chapel is for individual prayer and meditation.”

A sign nearby welcomes each person to find in this special place a renewal of peace and strength. This goal served as a springboard to all who took part in its origin and continues to drive the current folk who maintain it through the non-profit Sea Ranch Chapel Foundation.
In the early 1980’s, Robert and Betty Buffum, residents of The Sea Ranch, contracted with internationally renowned artist and architect James T. Hubbell to build a chapel that would harmonize with and complement the surrounding unique natural environment. The resulting sanctuary has enriched the lives of many – locals and travelers alike -- through the ensuing years.

Carved redwood pews, an elegantly designed metal chandelier, and stained glass windows created a warm welcome as we stepped in through the teak and stained glass doors
Local stones comprised the lower part of the walls in charming colors and patterns. The rest of the walls were crafted from redwood which swept gracefully up to meet the petals on a crowning plaster flower.

The busy outside world became muted and far away as we softly explored and absorbed this special place. A prayer bench, the inviting, redwood seating, and the soft light filtered through the colors of the sky and grass and flowers joined to weave their pattern of tranquility in our hearts.

Wandering outside we paused beside the ceramic fountain designed with Italian mosaic, then strolled the spacious grounds enhanced by local plantings.
The Sea Ranch Chapel’s web site (www.thesearanchchapel.org) presents the chapel as “a non-denominational sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal.” In this setting of peace and inspiration, it would be difficult to not experience at least a measure of the spiritual renewal we all need from time to time.

We were rested and richer when we left, glad for the thoughtful, caring people who had provided this one-of-a-kind refuge.

You’ll find the Sea Ranch Chapel snugged in between the two coastal towns of Gualala and The Sea Ranch at Sonoma County mile marker 55.5, approximately 110 miles north of San Francisco. It’s open to the public from 8 a.m. to sundown except when it’s booked for special events. More information on the chapel can be found at www.thesearanchchapel.org or you can call them at 707-785-2444. To see more of Mr. Hubbell’s unique architecture, visit www.hubbellandhubbell.com

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