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2727 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 845-6830
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St. John's Presbyterian Church
has a rich architectural heritage in Berkeley. The Church serves the religious and aesthetic needs of the community. The design of the windows, copper roof, Redwood siding and paneling, timber wood trusses, exposed roof decking, and special lighting fixtures provide a historic connection to the old Julia Morgan building previously utilized by the congregation for many years. Several art works, stained glass windows, plaques and Inscriptions were removed from the old building and reinstalled into the present St. John's.
The chancel platform can accommodate many uses in addition to worship: concerts, lectures, drama, etc. The chancel furniture Is movable and can be stored In rooms directly behind the platform.
As designed, the choir placement minimizes the effect of the choir as a performance group and emphaslzes its role as part of the congregation. Walls surrounding the organ are of concrete with redwood covering for acoustical and structural effects.
In January 1972 the firm of Ostwald and Kelly was selected to design the new Sanctuary. Construction by E. Paul Kelly was begun in September 1973. On April 13, 1975, St. John's dedicated its new Sanctuary in memory of Mildred Campbell. The stained glass was financed by a hundred memorial gifts, and were designed by the Hogan Stained Glass Studios. The one-inch faceted stained glass design has many interpretations, and also stands alone as a colorful abstraction.
In 1979, St John's became the home of craftsman John Brombaugh's Opus 20 organ . Opus 20 comprises 31 ranks, 22 stops, and 1418 pipes. Its musical and structural design reflects principles of organ building that prevailed in the Protestant countries of northern Europe during the 150 years that ended with the death of J. S. Bach. For more information on the Organ, click here
The three large windows facing Forest Avenue permlt views into a garden and visual relief, while the high clerestory windows on the east and south walls provide ventilation and light. The roof juts out to overhang these windows, softening the sunlight entering the Sanctuary. Heat Is supplied by a hot water radiant system in the floor slab.
The concert grand piano, a Bösendorfer, is well-kept and a magnicient addition.
Off the Sanctuary, the Campbell Reception Room, separated by a rolling wall, ls designed to be used separately, or when overflow seating is required. Campbell can seat up to 100 people, or can be furnished with round tables to seat up to 45 people. A small adjacent kitchen is handy for refreshments. Campbell opens onto a patio, complete a young person's playarea, that can be used for outdoor receptlons.
The Celtic cross on the west exterior facade is a gift from the Herbert L. Kimball and was executed in copper and plexiglass by Carl Jennings
The large wooden plaques on the pulpit and communion table were designed by Victoria Stewart Kimball, and carved by her son, Stewart Kimball. The plaque on the pulpit depicts the descending dove of peace.
The Rose window at the south end of the Campbell Reception Room is a gift of Dr. and Mrs. James Pfister and was transferred from the former building,
Welcome ___ Worship___ Calendar___ History
Tour Campus: Schedule Events, Meetings, Weddings ___ SiteMap___ Contact Us
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Weddings ___Events, Meetings ___St. John's Programs
Welcome ___ Worship___ Calendar___ History
Tour Campus: Schedule Events, Meetings, Weddings ___ SiteMap___ Contact Us
"He shall judge between the nations,
and shall decide for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more."
- Isaiah 2:4
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