Envision yourself transported back to 1888. A small group gathers in Coronado, calling themselves St. Peter’s Mission. They dream of a dedicated space to worship. This dream would eventually blossom into Christ Episcopal Church. These faithful individuals spent years searching for the perfect location. Their dedication laid the foundation for what would become a prominent landmark in Coronado. Land was acquired in 1891. However, a national financial crisis in 1892 threatened to derail their plans. The arrival of Captain Charles Thomas Hinde in 1893 marked a turning point for the struggling mission. Captain Hinde, a successful businessman, was persuaded to move to Coronado by John D. Spreckels. Spreckels was a prominent entrepreneur who had built a transportation and real estate empire in San Diego. With Captain Hinde’s generous financial support, the cornerstone of Christ Episcopal Church was finally laid on September 19, 1894. Construction was completed in the spring of 1896, excluding the organ and stained-glass windows. In June 1897, Captain Hinde and his wife donated the land and building to the church. They dedicated the building to the memory of their daughter, Camilla, who had died at a young age. A bronze tablet on the church grounds commemorates her short life. Christ Episcopal Church retains its original Gothic charm. The high ceilings, diagonal beams, and oak woodwork are all testaments to the craftsmanship of the era. The original pipe organ, installed in May 1896, boasts 24 registers and 835 pipes. The stunning stained-glass windows, designed by Bruce Porter of San Francisco, also arrived in 1896. They made their journey by ship, traveling all the way around the Horn of Africa. The east window, with its light colors symbolizing a new dawn, features two angels representing Light and Truth. They hold a lamp and a scroll inscribed with John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” Above them is the rose window, which Porter called the “Benediction Window.” The other windows, simpler in design, complement the grandeur of the east window. The chancel window depicts the close of day with its rich sunset hues. A central panel portrays Christ waiting at the door, an image that has inspired contemplation for over a century. The lancet windows on either side symbolize Communion. These windows, with their historical significance and spiritual meaning, are treasured as priceless relics.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a