Forest Lawn, Long Beach

Beneath the warm California sun lies Forest Lawn, Long Beach. A place of rest, remembrance, and surprisingly, a rich history. Originally established in 1921 as Sunnyside Memorial Gardens, this tranquil sanctuary began under the watchful eye of Cecil E. Bryan Sr. His family nurtured the gardens for three generations. Sunnyside quickly became a cornerstone of the Long Beach community. However, time took its toll, and by the 1970s, the once vibrant gardens had fallen into disrepair. In 1978, Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries stepped in, breathing new life into the grounds. They renovated the space while honoring its roots, initially renaming it Forest Lawn – Sunnyside. Later, it became Forest Lawn, Long Beach, aligning with their other properties. The architecture at Forest Lawn, Long Beach whispers tales of Spanish Colonial influence. The majestic Cathedral Tower, a landmark since its completion in 1924-1925, stands as a testament to the Bryan family’s vision and the architectural prowess of Clarence L. Jay. Its Spanish Renaissance style is captivating. Intricate doorways and arches beckon, while large Spanish windows, adorned with art glass, filter the California sunlight. Imported marbles and vibrant tiling further enhance the beauty. Local artist Frank Julious Fisher’s touch graces the mausoleum walls. His intricate stencils and woodcarvings add a layer of artistry. The marble work, originally crafted by the Lohr Marble Company in Pasadena, was meticulously restored by the same company in 1978. Within the mausoleum, you’ll find a unique piece of history: the first to be equipped with both Deagan tower chimes and a pipe organ. The Memorial Chapel, with its adobe and red tile architecture, further embraces the early Californian Spanish and Mexican heritage. The stained glass windows, crafted by Benjamin Mako and his team, depict California’s history, unfolding from 1769 to 1909. A carved reredos leads to R. Brownell McGrew’s mural, “The Ascension of Christ.” The Rotunda houses the statue of Danae, while the statue hall features busts of influential figures like Constantine the Great, Charlemagne, St. Augustine, and even American figures like Thomas Jefferson. A mosaic rendition of Raphael’s “Paradise” adds artistic grandeur, alongside a Foucault pendulum. Forest Lawn, Long Beach became the final resting place for numerous notable individuals, including actress Luana Patten, rapper Nate Dogg, and novelist James Hilton.