Wayfarers Chapel, Los Angeles - The Abode of Solace

To suggest to your kiddo daughter, who is on her 'vacation of lifetime' - having broken loose from her college at the end of grueling first sem and worst still, from the sever cold of Illinois to visit a chapel, could surely invite ridicule as the new generation is no respecter of age. But lucky as I am, for Kruti is not a stereotype of this 'new generation', that I got her patient hearing. But still I could feel a tinge of disbelief in her tone. "Chapel?" - she sounded mischievous. But she persisted on my suggestion as she trusts that there could be some point in my argument, after all I am a travel professional. More out of her respect for my work and less out of curiosity, she permitted me to persuade her to visit this chapel out of nowhere. But is it?


Wayfarers Chapel, in my reckoning is a 'must see' attraction of Los Angeles area. On the hillock of Palos Verdes and bordered by Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach in the North and Long Beach in the West, on the tip of the peninsula of Rolling Hills is located this 'abode of solace' for the weary travellers. Capturing the essence of the thirst of travellers for rest and recuperation is built this most aesthetic chapel by the renowned architect Lloyd Wright on the principles of 'tree church' in harmony with nature. It is the Swedenborgian Church that promotes the theology of universal brotherhood and unity of God.


As a traveller, it is a great experience 'to be here'. Far away on the horizon, many ships are receding out of the skyline and one wonders that life is all about travelling. But all this wandering takes its toll, physically and mentally. It is when we seek rest earnestly, that even a most basic caravanserai is good for shelter and solace.Wayfarers Chapel signifies the end of travellers' search for solace. It is the embodiment of man's quest for ultimate peace. The sky touching redwood trees dotting the artistically laid down garden of this humble monument is the epitome of the end of our search and should not be missed by any traveller. 


In the vicinity are the Korean Bell of Friendship and American Merchant Marines Veterans Memorial that can complement your visit to the area. For the information hungry, the website of the chapel contains good information about the sponsoring church, history and architecture along with vivid pictures of the chapel gardens and the vantage pictures of this most scenic location on the California beach.