First Church of Christ Scientist - Berkeley Campus
Non-Denominational · Contemporary worship · Berkeley, CA
- Location
- Berkeley, California 94704
- Denomination
- Non-Denominational
- Worship style
- Contemporary
- Size
- Mid-size
- Ministries & emphasis
- Contemporary, Expository Preaching, Kids Ministry, Youth Ministry, Small Groups
- Google rating
- ★ 4.7 (20 reviews)
- Kids ministry
- Yes
Official websiteWatch the latest sermonStatement of faith / beliefs
What visitors say
The Christian Science church in Berkeley by Maybeck is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture. Designed by renowned architect Bernard Ralph Maybeck (1862 - 1957), the church is a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement. Designed and built at the cost of around $60,000 of 1910 money, the exterior of the church is characterized by its striking Craftsman, Gothic and Romanesque style architecture with mature Wisteria vines which give the building an unusual and inviting feel. The building with respect to its materials was rather unusual and innovative for its time. Inside, the church is equally impressive. The soaring nave crossing is supported by a series of wooden trusses in the form of a Greek Cross which create a sense of grandeur and space. The stained and textured glass are particularly noteworthy, in contrast against the modified, industrial sash windows. A striking feature of the church is the working Austin organ, which is located in a choir loft above the altar and the only one of its kind in the US. There is also an amazing interior, planted courtyard that is not viewable from the street. This courtyard is a must-see. Overall, the Christian Science church in Berkeley by Maybeck is a true masterpiece of architecture and worthy of a visit. Its combination of warm materials, intricate details, and soaring spaces make it a truly unique and inspiring place of worship. The Church offers a free tour on the first Sunday of every month at about noon. One of Bernard Maybeck's masterpieces. Like the UC Berkeley faculty club building, the real treat is waiting for you inside. Try to go on the tour offered free on the first Sunday of the month, if you can. In the late winter, the church is enveloped in wisteria. Wonderful to see. I am not a believer of any. This slave tool will come back to haunt you. How can it be? I have never witnessed life return to someone that died. I know. I am no classification idiot to become. I can't be labeled. You can. May you find peace in your God. I don't have any. And if you find your lord and savior, let it be known I looked, I knocked, I expected. They did not answer, no door to open, I am not a child of the most high. I am not the son of man. I am without cause and broken because of. May you all be judged for my suffering with the judge you have taught. The website says that the doors are open, but when I visited on a Saturday, the whole church was closed :( I studied this building in my architecture history class and know the interior well. It is too bad that I couldn’t experience it for myself A gorgeous building designed by ground-breaking architect Bernard Maybeck. It's a City of Berkeley landmarked site.
Is First Church of Christ Scientist - Berkeley Campus right for me?
First Church of Christ Scientist - Berkeley Campus may be a good fit if you're looking for contemporary worship, a Non-Denominational church, a church with a kids ministry in Berkeley. Every church feels different in person — plan to visit a Sunday service, and check the church's website for current service times.
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