It was also highly unusual for a church building in several other ways, including the use of industrial-style metal sash windows, sections of redwood tree trunks as pillars, the strong horizontal emphasis, and a semicircular apse with a conical roof.

The land was acquired by the university in 1960 through eminent domain for the construction of a student union complex.

[3][4] The church was the first meeting place of the Hillside Club, formed in 1898 to promote Arts and Crafts movement principles in the growing university town.

[3] When it was built, A. C. Schweinfurth, the architect, was well on his way to an eminent career with the patronage of the Hearst family, but this church ended up being his last project.

The Schweinfurth-designed building was preserved, landmarked, and restored with seismic upgrades and new shingles in 1999.