The Pilgrim Congregational Church in Redding is a breathtaking example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Pole and Boulder” style. Designed in 1958, this was one of the last projects Wright worked on before his passing. The building is a literal manifestation of the biblical “house built upon a rock,” utilizing massive local stones and dramatic desert-inspired angles to create a sanctuary that feels both ancient and futuristic.
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The church was commissioned by a small congregation that originally reached out to Wright in hopes of creating a spiritual home that reflected the rugged beauty of Northern California. While Wright provided the initial designs, the project was overseen and completed by his apprentice and Taliesin associate, Taliesin Associated Architects, specifically William Wesley Peters, following Wright’s death in 1959.
The architecture is dominated by the use of “desert masonry”—a technique where large, un-cut local boulders are placed into forms and bound with concrete. This gives the walls a textured, prehistoric appearance that anchors the building to the Redding hillside. One of the most striking features is the roofline; the giant, sweeping “tent” of the sanctuary is supported by heavy glulam beams, creating a soaring interior space that feels open to the heavens. The church remains an active place of worship and a proud steward of Wright’s organic architectural legacy.
Plan Your Visit
📍Location
The Pilgrim Congregational Church is located at 2850 Foothill Boulevard, Redding, California. The church sits on a prominent hillside overlooking the city and the surrounding mountain ranges.
🎫Tour
Because this is an active church, visitors are generally welcome to view the exterior and the sanctuary. It is highly recommended to visit during office hours or attend a Sunday service to experience the acoustics and light within the sanctuary. Tours can be scheduled in advance using a form on the church’s website.
🧳Make it a Trip
Redding is the gateway to the “Upstate” California region. After visiting the church, head over to the famous Sundial Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, or take a short drive to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. If you are on a Wright pilgrimage, this is the northernmost site in California.
🏨Hotels in Redding
- Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn – A popular, well-rated choice with an excellent on-site restaurant.
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Gaia Hotel & Spa Redding, Ascend Hotel Collection – A beautiful, lagoon-side hotel that leans into the “natural” aesthetic Wright loved.
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home!
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Sacred Architecture: Faith, Form and Building Technology by Anat Geva (Book) – A look at the spiritual spaces designed by Wright throughout his career.
