Divinely Inspired: Catherine Cody and Morris Skenderian A.I.A. Discuss William F. Cody's St. Theresa Catholic Church

St. Theresa Catholic Church has long been heralded as a desert gem and a testament to the breadth and depth of William F. Cody's talents. Built on land that was a former World War II airfield, the church was completed in 1968 and dedicated on Thanksgiving day. As a devout Catholic, and the parish of his family, this award-winning project was very personal for this renowned architect. It is said "he designed everything except for the light bulbs and the screws," which was true! He created a master plan for the complex in 1963, which included the church, convent, school and rectory. The convent, of which Bob and Dolores Hope were the major donors, was completed in 1965. And after a few design options were considered, the design plan for the church was chosen and work began. Throughout the project he guided the collaboration with artists and craftspeople who could realize his total design plan. Divinely inspired, Cody was highly encouraged by the Second Vatican Council of 1962–65 with its implications for buildings, art, and furnishings. Interpreting their call for their parishioners to be “fully conscious and active participants” to mean that the congregation should be as close to the altar as possible, strongly influenced his design. Their support for Modern art in the Church, was also something Cody fully embraced. Cody’s design created a Modern vision for the parishioners of St. Theresa Church and it remains as a prized masterpiece of Cody’s legacy.

Catherine Cody, youngest daughter of William F. Cody, and architect Morris Skenderian, A.I.A. who had just joined Cody’s firm at the time the St. Theresa project began, will share stories, photos, drawings and talk about the artisans and craftspeople involved in making Cody’s design a reality. Following the presentation Catherine and Morris will each take a group of attendees to tour the Church’s main sanctuary and discuss features and details. Following the tour there will be a reception. For those attendees that bought the ticket that includes the book Master of the Midcentury: the Architecture of William F. Cody, Catherine will be available to sign books at the reception.

This event is presented by the St. Theresa 135 Ministry which was formed by a group of concerned parishioners focused on Preservation and Restoration of the parish's buildings and grounds. Proceeds will be used to ensure the longevity and integrity of the William F. Cody designed church.

$45 General Admission
$95 General Admission & Book

Things to Know
Ages 12 and older.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to event.
Following the presentation, the group will be divided into two for a guided tour with the presenters inside the sanctuary. After the tour there will be a reception.
No food or uncovered drinks allowed inside the Chapel or Sanctuary.
The presentation with Q&A will be 60 minutes, followed by a 30 minute guided tour inside church sanctuary (walking on a flat surface the length of the church, from the entry to the altar) guided by our presenters, followed by a 30 minute reception.
The presentation will be in the Daily Mass Chapel, so please park in the adjacent church West parking lot, which is closest to the Daily Mass Chapel.
Handicap parking is available.
This event is wheelchair accessible.
The organizer of this event is St. Theresa Catholic Church, 135 Ministry.

Event Check-in Location
St. Theresa Catholic Church
2800 Ramon Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92264
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Photo Credits: Sandi Hemmerlein