The church was designed by Lloyd Wright in the late 1940s and was built between 1949 and 1951. Additions were built in later years, including a tower and a visitor center. Like many of Wright's buildings, the chapel features geometric designs and incorporates the natural landscape into the design.

The church sits near the landslide-prone Portuguese Bend area.

Because of its scenic location, the church is very popular for weddings, both in the chapel itself and also outside on the chapel grounds.

The church has most recently been featured in the Fox television series The OC, as the site of weddings and funerals.