Geneva Presbyterian Church
Ross Cortese had envisioned Leisure World as a total way of life, in which religion, medical care and recreation were all to be included. The Presbyterian Church of Leisure World, renamed Geneva Presbyterian Church within weeks of forming, was one of many congregations to form at Leisure World (now Laguna Woods) in 1965. Cortese offered to deed property, outside the walls, to each church that had at least 100 members living in Leisure World. The Presbyterian congregation received 3-1/2 acres from Rossmoor and purchased an additional half-acre. They hired noted architect William Pereira to design the sanctuary, apparently the only church he designed. Pereria’s associate, Tom Van Sant, designed the plaster cement relief murals “Tree of Life”, “Saint Martin’s Cross” and “The Last Supper.” The stained glass window, the only window in the church, was designed by Willet Stained Glass Studios.
Laguna Woods, Orange County
Photographers: John Bare, Andrew Schmidt