“A spiritual home and shelter from the storm.” That is what St. Dunstan’s has offered for over 65 years. You are standing before a place of community. St. Dunstan’s welcomes local residents and passing wayfarers alike.
St. Dunstan’s has a rich history. It started as a mission church. Members met in borrowed community facilities. Imagine them sitting on folding metal chairs. A buzzing Coke machine hummed nearby. This was in 1955.
The church was named for St. Dunstan. He was an illuminator, musician, and silversmith. Carmel Valley is a center for the arts. This made the name fitting.
For 14 years, St. Dunstan’s remained a mission church. Then, it became self-sufficient. Construction began in 1962. This marked the exciting prospect of building a church.
Since then, the campus has expanded. It includes multi-purpose spaces. There are offices, a kitchen, and a Montessori school. A playground, columbarium, and labyrinth were also added.
In 2015, the crown jewel was installed. Opus 94 is a magnificent pipe organ. It was designed and built especially for St. Dunstan’s.
St. Dunstan’s is older than its diocese. The Diocese of El Camino Real was part of the Diocese of California until 1980. It is named after the Spanish colonial road. This road ran from Mexico City to Oregon.
The Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real is vibrant and diverse. It serves 42 congregations across five counties. These counties are Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo.
St. Dunstan’s logo highlights four aspects of Dunstan’s life. The top left corner shows a Pallium. This vestment is from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s coat of arms. The top right corner features a chalice. It is used on the altar for wine during the Holy Eucharist. The lower left corner displays a crosier. Bishops use this as a symbol of their office. Finally, the lower right corner shows tongs. Metalworkers use this tool.
The pipe organ at St. Dunstan’s has an interesting past. It began as a 2-manual, 18-rank instrument. The Hutchings-Votey Organ Co. built it in 1902. It was for Temple de Hirsch in Seattle. In 1960, Temple de Hirsch built a new edifice. Balcom and Vaughan moved and rebuilt the organ. They installed it as their Opus 680.
In the 1970s, Temple de Hirsch replaced the pipe organ. They chose an electronic Allen organ. St. Dunstan’s purchased the used Hutchings-Votey / Balcom and Vaughan organ. They reinstalled it in the church. The Great division was exposed. It was on electro-mechanical windchests on the front wall. The Swell division was in chambers behind the Great. Tonal changes were made. The organ continues to serve the parish.
St. Dunstan’s stands as a testament to community. It is a place of art and music. It is a spiritual home for all. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Remember its humble beginnings and its vibrant present.