THE SPIRE

Designed by artist James Hubbell and completed in 1985, The Sea Ranch Chapel is one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks on the Northern California coast. A gift from Sea Ranch residents Robert and Betty Buffum, the chapel was dedicated to the memory of Kirk Ditzler, an aviator, zoologist, and artist whose drawings helped inspire its extraordinary design. Handcrafted by local artisans, the chapel's flowing cedar-shingle roof and sculptural bronze spire reflect the natural forms of the windswept coast. The spire, created by local blacksmith Fritz Hagist, reaches skyward in a graceful expression of movement and flight.