Christ Cathedral (Garden Grove, California)

Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, California is the diocesan cathedral for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, housed in the glass-walled building formerly known as the Crystal Cathedral. The modern building, designed by Philip Johnson for a Protestant congregation, was acquired and refurbished by the diocese and reopened as the Catholic cathedral in 2019.

The main sanctuary is notable for its extensive curtain-wall glass exterior and an interior arranged for large congregations and diocesan ceremonies. The complex includes chapels, meeting spaces, and a tower as part of a broader campus that was renovated during the conversion and restoration program.

Originally built for the televangelist Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral ministry in the late 20th century, the facility was sold to the Diocese of Orange in the 2010s and underwent a multi-year restoration and adaptation before reopening as Christ Cathedral.

The cathedral sits in Garden Grove in northern Orange County, within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and close to Anaheim.

• Architectural history: Designed by architect Philip Johnson and completed in the late 20th century for the Crystal Cathedral ministry; purchased by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange and reopened as Christ Cathedral after restoration in 2019.
• Current role: Functions as the seat of the Bishop of Orange and hosts diocesan liturgies and public services following its restoration.

What to See #

• Main sanctuary: The glass-walled sanctuary originally known as the Crystal Cathedral is the main worship space, noted for its large curtain-wall glass exterior and expansive interior volume.
• Campus and tower: A prominent tower and adjacent chapels and meeting spaces are part of the wider cathedral campus that was redeveloped after acquisition by the Catholic Diocese of Orange.