California, renowned for its abundant natural beauty and diverse history, is not only an attractive destination for those who love exploring landscapes but also a convergence of unique religious architectural works. Among these, ancient churches, imbued with the marks of time and profound cultural values, are unmissable destinations for those seeking to understand the history and beliefs of this land. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover the most beautiful old churches in California, where architecture harmonizes with faith, creating memorable spiritual experiences.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral – San Jose: A 160-Year Witness to History
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, located in San Jose, is an architectural gem with a history spanning over 160 years. Designed by John W. Hammond, a retired ship captain and shipbuilder, this church impresses visitors with its steep wooden roof, reminiscent of a ship’s hull.
Exterior view of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in San Jose
Completed and operational since 1863, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral proudly stands as the oldest church building still in continuous use in San Jose, and also the oldest Protestant cathedral in California. Its distinctive Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, carefully maintained, have inspired generations of believers. It is also an ideal venue for countless weddings, funerals, concerts, and community events, including those of the Vietnamese Christian community in San Jose.
In 2017, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral completed a project to upgrade its bell system, increasing the total number of bells from 18 to 24, becoming the third-largest church bell system in California, after Stanford’s Hoover Tower and UC Berkeley’s Campanile Bell Tower. With over 160 years of history, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral continues to serve the community, playing an important role in the spiritual life of San Jose residents.
Contact Information:
- Address: 81 N. SECOND STREET, SAN JOSE, CA 95113
- Phone: (408) 293-7953
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph – San Jose: A Harmony of History and Art
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, another impressive architectural work in San Jose, carries a long and eventful history. The original St. Joseph’s Church (San Jose de Guadalupe) was built in 1803, becoming the first non-parish church built in California for Spanish settlers.
Having been damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt several times in 1818-1822, 1835-1846, 1868-1869, the church has witnessed many ups and downs of history. In 1875, a major fire destroyed the church, and a temporary church was built while waiting for the fifth church to be completed in 1884. The large dome of the church was completed in 1885.
Exterior view of Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose
In 1981, a large-scale restoration project was initiated to prepare the church to become the cathedral for the new Roman Catholic Bishop of San Jose. In 1985, the church was elevated to a basilica, and the restoration process was completed in 1990. A special feature of Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is its unique Odell organ, built in 1886. It is the only Odell instrument still in normal operating condition in the United States, with 40,000 parts (27 ranks of 60 pipes each), which was restored between 1987 and 1990.
In 1997, the church was designated a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II. Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is listed as a California Historical Landmark and a U.S. Historic Place.
Contact Information:
- Address: 80 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
- Phone: (408) 283-8100
Good Shepherd Catholic Church – San Diego: A Diverse Community of Faith
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, located in San Diego, is a testament to the growth and diversity of the Catholic community in the area. Established on April 24, 1970, this church serves the spiritual needs of the growing communities in Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos, and Scripps Ranch.
The first Mass was celebrated on June 14, 1970, at the Rancho Penasquitos Shopping Center, marking the beginning of the Good Shepherd parish. In 1984, a new Building Fund was initiated to raise funds for the construction of a church. After more than 4 years, over 1,000 families donated $800,000, and church construction began in 1988.
Exterior view of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in San Diego
In 2010, the church built a two-story, 29,000-square-foot Parish Center, including administrative offices, a school, meeting rooms, conference rooms, a preschool, extended care facilities, and a multi-purpose gymnasium with a capacity of up to 700 people. At Good Shepherd Parish, there are over 90 organizations involved in service and worship activities in the community. The church holds eight Sunday Masses, serving a diverse ethnic community.
A proud moment for Good Shepherd Catholic Church was the ordination of Father Michael Pham, currently Vicar General of the Diocese of San Diego and Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, as Bishop by Pope Francis in 2023.
Contact Information:
- Address: 8200 Gold Coast Dr, San Diego, CA, United States
- Phone: (858) 271-0207
Crystal Cathedral (Christ Cathedral) – Orange: Our Lady of La Vang Shrine and Modern Architecture
Crystal Cathedral, or Christ Cathedral of the Diocese of Orange, is a unique architectural work combining modern beauty and profound spiritual meaning. Built in 1955 by Reverend Robert H. Schuller (Protestant), the church went through a difficult period when it declared bankruptcy in 2010. In 2012, the church was sold to the Catholic Diocese of Orange and became a cathedral.
Exterior view of Christ Cathedral, formerly Crystal Cathedral, in Orange
Christ Cathedral boasts a modern design on a large area, with many facilities serving religious activities such as memorials and cemeteries, a pastoral center, an academy, a cultural center, a tower of hope, a large library, a small library, gardens, a sanctuary, and especially the shrine of Our Lady of La Vang. The entire church architecture, including the bell tower, is covered in white glass, creating an impressive appearance like structures in science fiction films.
This church is particularly familiar to the Vietnamese community overseas, due to the large number of Vietnamese parishioners here. The presence of the statue of Our Lady of La Vang in the most prominent position in front of the sanctuary reflects the influence of the Vietnamese community here. Besides religious activities, the church is also a tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Contact Information:
- Address: 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, California
- Phone: N/A
Giáo Xứ Đức Mẹ La Vang – Santa Ana: A Common Home for the Vietnamese Community
Giáo xứ Đức Mẹ La Vang Parish, located in Santa Ana, is the first church in California with a Vietnamese name, a special milestone in the history of the Vietnamese community in the United States. The church was completed and opened to parishioners in 2006. The Vietnamese name of the church was given by Bishop Todd Brown of the Diocese of Orange County, on the occasion of Bishop Nguyễn Văn Thuận’s elevation to Cardinal.
Exterior view of Đức Mẹ La Vang Parish in Santa Ana
The church’s architecture combines Gothic style and modern lines. Stained-glass windows with angel figures are skillfully decorated, creating natural lighting for the sanctuary. Seating for parishioners is designed in a circle, surrounding the priest’s altar, creating an impressive and innovative space. In front of the church, a replica of the original Our Lady of La Vang statue from Quảng Trị, Vietnam, is displayed.
Contact Information:
- Address: 288 South Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92704
- Phone: (714) 775-6200
Conclusion
The old churches in California are not only religious architectural works but also historical witnesses, cultural symbols, and places that nurture the spiritual life of the community. From Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with over 160 years of history, to Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph with its unique Odell organ, Good Shepherd Catholic Church with its diverse community of believers, Crystal Cathedral with the Our Lady of La Vang shrine, and Giáo xứ Đức Mẹ La Vang Parish with its strong Vietnamese imprint, each church carries its own story, contributing to the colorful tapestry of California. Take the time to explore these magnificent architectural works to better understand the history, culture, and beliefs of the land of California.