St. Bartholomew's is a fantastic little chapel on the Rincon Indian reservation at the base of Mt. Palomar ironically just 1/2 mile past the Harrah's Casino! The Chapel is open most days from 8-4, I stopped by early in the day and ran into the caretaker, a stoic man named George, who proudly offered a quick tour of the building explaining many interesting facts about the design. My favorite was all the natural materials used in the construction, especially the 2 foot thick rammed earth walls (gorgeous), and a big 'ol boulder simply crafted into the baptismal font. Even the altar, George explained, was hewn from a 5" thick slab of lumber from a site harvested Coastal Like Oak tree. The fact that everything was custom designed creates a very unified presense. (A hidden treat is the perforated wood Confessional Screen, it is amazing the way the light filters through, it is descretely tucked behind the altar wall on the left side). The other amazing part of the design was several narrow and tall windows that probably were 20 feet tall, each offering a glance of the magnificent mountain views beyond. On the day we visited the Chapel the electronic sign outside the Rincon Fire Station we passed on the way read 101 degrees. Inside the Chapel the temperature was a cooler and much more comfortable temperature, maybe in the very high 70's, without the A/C on George reminded us. He also pointed out the unique high up windows that simultaneously allow the roof to visually float above the walls, also let in enough daylight to fill the entire space. George said the building is higly energy and water efficient, with a Solar electrical generation system on the roof, LED lights, and low water planting. Finally, there is a sweet little garden space just outside with a burbling fountain, statuary, and a simple, but colorful arrangements of blooming plants that draws in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It was serene, reflective and beautiful lay over. This project really respects it's place, it is modern, beautiful, but completely appropriate and not over done. And based on how proud and excited George was to share the Chapel with us, I think it is probably just what the parishioners wanted. I strongly encourage you to visit St. Bartholomew's Chapel (2 Mazzetti Lane, Valley Center), the drive alone is worth it and the Chapel is certainly a worthwhile reward for the effort.

Project Information

Project Address: 

2 Mazzetti Lane, Valley Center, Ca. 92082

Project Owner/ Developer: 

Rincon Band of Lusieno Indians

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

George Arviso / georgearviso@aol.com

Project Architect/ Designer: 

Kevin deFreitas Architects

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