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Erik Jay was born into photography, inheriting a legacy from his grandfather, who documented the California Valley alongside iconic photographer Ansel Adams. From early memories of hours spent in the darkroom to a career that spans decades, his journey with photography has been one of passion and evolution. He began professionally in 2008, after years in the business world, and quickly achieved international recognition through private print sales, hotel commissions, and collaborations with celebrated artists like John Van Hamersveld. Known for capturing the soul of his subjects through visual storytelling, Erik has a unique ability to preserve moments that transcend time. His goal, in his own words, is to create images that “stop time for the viewer.” This talent was fully realized during his poignant shoot of Wayfarers Chapel, just two days before its closure due to the accelerating Portuguese Bend landslide.
Erik’s opportunity to photograph Wayfarers Chapel arose spontaneously. On his way to a scheduled shoot, he passed the iconic site and, with his professional equipment on hand, decided to make an unplanned stop. Alone in the Chapel, he took full advantage of the quiet space, unaware that he was documenting its final intact moments before its closure. Reflecting on the day, he described an overwhelming sense of loss, likening the atmosphere to “the onset of grief before confirmation arrives.” The Chapel’s serene beauty was underscored by visible distress—cracks in the floor, buckled tiles, and fractured glass. As the land moved beneath him, Erik felt the urgency of capturing its fragility, noting the creaking and ticking sounds of the stressed structure as he worked.
“It was eerie because it wasn’t past tense,” Erik shared. “I was there while the glass was cracking and the walls were moving.” During his time at the Chapel, he observed the unwavering determination of staff members, led by Dan Burchett, as they worked to mitigate the damage and maintain hope. Later, a group of Japanese tourists arrived, their silent reactions to the cracks and stress lines revealing the universal impact of witnessing the Chapel’s decline. For Erik, the experience was deeply personal. The fountain, where he once worked as a teenager, brought back memories of his childhood in Palos Verdes. “It felt like I was saying goodbye to a part of my own story,” he said.
His focus during the shoot was to honor the Chapel’s legacy. Standing before the steps leading to the altar, he captured the angular brilliance of Lloyd Wright’s design, framed by trees, sky, and the iconic tower. This perspective, shared by countless couples on their wedding day, symbolizes the Chapel’s timeless essence. “I wanted the photos to matter to everyone who saw them,” Erik explained. “For their memory to be a captured moment that mirrored what they experienced before stepping up to say, ‘I do.’”
Through his images, Erik has helped raise $15,000 for the Chapel’s preservation efforts. His photographs serve as a bridge between past and future, reminding the community of the Chapel’s significance while inspiring hope for its eventual return. “The Chapel is more than a structure—it’s a testament to love, faith, and peace,” Erik reflected. “It’s a part of our history, and I’m grateful to have been there to share its final moments.” His work ensures that Wayfarers Chapel will continue to inspire stories, memories, and dreams for generations to come, even as the community looks forward to its next chapter.
“I was there while the glass was cracking and the walls were moving. It felt like the onset of grief before confirmation arrives. I was there while the glass was cracking and the walls were moving. It felt like I was saying goodbye to a part of my own story.” -Erik Jay
Update on Wayfarers Chapel
Wayfarers Chapel, a treasured National Historic Landmark designed by Lloyd Wright, is entering a new chapter as efforts to preserve its legacy continue following its careful disassembly. This iconic “Glass Church” has long been a beacon of spiritual reflection and beauty, harmonizing architecture and nature in a unique sanctuary overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
A New Chapter: Exploring New Earth
In partnership with the Swedenborgian Church of North America, Wayfarers Chapel is launching Exploring New Earth, an online spiritual community debuting in January 2025. This initiative aims to offer a space for individuals worldwide to deepen their spiritual journey.
The program will feature weekly themes, spiritual readings, opportunities for discussion, and reflections on the presence of God in our lives. Meetings will be held on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (PST) via Zoom, with an in-person option at St. Francis Chapel in Palos Verdes Estates. For updates, visitors are encouraged to join the mailing list on the Exploring New Earth page.
Preserving the Chapel’s Legacy
The Chapel, closed in early 2024 due to severe damage from the accelerating Portuguese Bend landslide, has been carefully disassembled to preserve its historic materials. Architectural Resources Group (ARG) of Los Angeles led the project, cataloging and storing key elements such as old-growth redwood glulam beams, blue roof tiles, and steel frameworks—materials that are no longer available or replicable.
This disassembly was a critical step to protect the Chapel’s iconic design for future reconstruction. Cracks in the concrete floor, fractured glass panels, warped steel frames, and damage to the cornerstone laid in 1949 underscored the urgency of this effort. The preserved materials are being stored safely and will play a key role in the Chapel’s eventual reopening.
Exploring the Future
Currently, many options for the Chapel’s future are being explored. If the current property stabilizes and geologists confirm it is safe, the Chapel could be rebuilt on its original site. However, the Portuguese Bend landslide, which began in 1956 and has been described as “unprecedented” in 2024, presents significant challenges.
Given these uncertainties, the team is also considering alternative sites within Rancho Palos Verdes. As part of the preservation process, bricks from the original Chapel are being stored and will be incorporated into its reconstruction, ensuring that its spirit and history endure in any new location.
A Landmark of Community and Culture
In addition to hosting countless weddings, baptisms, and memorials, Wayfarers Chapel has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and music videos, including The O.C., Lucifer, The Bachelorette, Revenge, and performances by artists like Pentatonix and James Blake. Its timeless beauty and cultural significance have made it a beloved icon.
As Wayfarers Chapel moves forward, its mission to provide a place of rest, reflection, and spiritual growth remains steadfast. The commitment to preserving this architectural masterpiece reflects the resilience and dedication of its community, ensuring that it will continue to inspire future generations.
For updates on the Chapel’s progress and plans, visit the Wayfarers Chapel website: wayfarerschapel.org
