Chapel Plaque Dedication Honors Faith and Heritage

January 2025

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From the moment visitors step off the elevator onto the 13th floor of the Tower of Hope at Christ Cathedral, their eyes are drawn to the sweeping panoramic views of Orange County. Now, with the addition of a new plaque in the Dr. Robert and Arvella Schuller Chapel in the Sky, visitors will also be reminded of the faithful hearts that made this ecumenical dwelling place a reality.

The Walker family pictured with Bishop Kevin W. Vann (center), Steve Cameron, OCF’s Executive Director (left) and Very Reverend Bao Quoc Thai, Rector, Christ Cathedral (right).

On January 16, 2025, Bishop Kevin W. Vann blessed and dedicated the plaque, honoring the lives and philanthropic support of Kenneth and Nancy Walker. “This Chapel in the Sky is a beacon of faith, hope and love,” said Bishop Vann, who also expressed gratitude to the Walker and Schuller families for “serving as stewards of this timeless sanctuary for all to share for now and forever.”

Bishop Vann blessed and dedicated a new plaque in the Chapel in the Sky, honoring the generosity of the Walker family.

The dedication ceremony beautifully highlighted the steadfast faith and generosity that has been passed down through six generations of the Walker family. Dan Walker, CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank, shared, “This all started with my great-grandmother. She is the one who really led the family in Christianity.”

Kenneth and Nancy, Dan’s parents, carried the torch of faith forward, fostering a relationship with Dr. Schuller when he opened an account at F&M Bank in 1955. Their connection ultimately provided the support needed to acquire the Garden Grove property and construct the Crystal Cathedral campus, now known as Christ Cathedral, serving as the heart of Catholicism in Orange County.

During the ceremony, Dan reflected on how the virtues he was taught are deeply woven into the Church, which carries “a great mission, message, method and Master.” The verse inscribed on the beautifully crafted plaque serves as a testament to that, bringing the comforting promise of Matthew 18:20 to life: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Dan Walker speaking during the dedication ceremony.

Steve Cameron, executive director of The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF), wholeheartedly agreed, adding, “There aren’t many places in the world where you can be in a chapel like this. The only reason we are here is for the graciousness and the generosity of the Walkers and the vision Reverend Schuller had to build this.” The Walker family and F&M Bank continue to support many initiatives and events within the Diocese of Orange, including being the founding partners for OCF’s Conference on Business & Ethics.

Naming and memorial opportunities on the Christ Cathedral campus help to enhance the New Evangelization in Orange County and in our country. If you’re interested in exploring these meaningful ways to honor your loved ones or express your gratitude, contact The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) at info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org or 714.282.3021.