Memorial Church

Located in the heart of the Stanford University campus, non-denominational Stanford Memorial Church, located at 450 Serra Mall, is one of the earliest and most famous non-sectarian churches in the West. The magnificent Romanesque style building, also known as MemChu, is deemed the University's architectural crown jewel.

Originally built in 1903 as a memorial to Jane Stanford's husband, Leland Stanford, the church features mosaic Bible scenes as well as New Testament stained-glass windows, three organs and an impressive dome. The church has withstood two major earthquakes of 1906 and 1989, although repairs were needed after both disasters. Today, multi-faith services and denominational and nondenominational Christian services are held on a regular basis. Visitors may explore the art and architecture Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Be sure to approach the church from Palm Drive in order to take in the full effect of the beautiful church and the equally beautiful surroundings.

Services, events and weddings can make access on weekends difficult, but a weekly ecumenical worship featuring choral and organ music is held each Sunday at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. For more information, call 650-723-1762 or visit web.stanford.edu/group/religiouslife/cgi-bin/wordpress/memorial-church.