Hidden behind plain stucco walls stands the Church of the Nativity in Fairbanks Ranch. This isn’t just any church. It’s a masterful work of architecture designed by the internationally renowned Charles Moore.
The Church of the Nativity is more than a place of worship. It’s a testament to the spiritual quest. Light mysteriously washes the back wall behind the altar. A hidden vertical window admits the light. A layered ceiling makes you search for meaning in its infinite combinations of forms and light.
Monsignor Dennis Clark the founding pastor played a key role. He envisioned a place of repose and transcendence. A place where people could listen to their inner spirits. He sought an architect who could create something special. Something different from typical country clubs or homes. He chose Charles Moore.
The Church of the Nativity complex is beautifully designed. Two buildings group around a central courtyard paved in slate and concrete. Palms bronze flax and orange trees adorn the space. Gregorian chants often drift through the peaceful outdoor space. They emanate from a CD player kept in a closet.
One building houses the 500-seat church a smaller chapel and a large room for social events. The other contains church offices and Monsignor Clark’s apartment. He’s probably the only monsignor living in a Moore-designed home.
The design blends mission elements with Moore’s unique style. Ultra-smooth stucco walls deep openings for doors and windows tile roofs and citrus trees are all present. The layout though is more complex than a traditional mission church. The main aisle runs diagonally a pleasing break from the norm.
Almost every item inside was designed by Moore Ruble Yudell. This includes the confessional screen furniture and custom maple pews. The 17th-century wood corpus the body of Christ rests on a cross of Moore’s design at the front of the church.
The Church of the Nativity is a place of quiet beauty and spiritual depth. It is a unique and inspiring space. A place where the simple and complex intertwine. A place that invites contemplation and reflection. This remarkable church stands as a testament to faith design and the power of a vision realized. The Church of the Nativity truly is a sublime destination.