The Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey in Lafayette, Oregon features modern post-Vatican II church design by architect J. David Richen. The structure showcases contemporary religious architecture with distinctive design elements including a lantern with cross projection visible from exterior views.
The church entrance features two carved Oregon white oak doors measuring approximately 2 feet 1.5 inches wide by 5 feet 6.5 inches high. Sculptor Mary Lewis created these doors in 2007, incorporating religious imagery depicting Saint Benedict on one door and grapes and wheat on the other.
The interior includes hand-made wooden benches constructed by Craig Spooner for the nave and monastic choir area. The design emphasizes natural light through ceiling windows that create reflections in the baptismal font. The altar area features a cross, candles, and tapestry work positioned centrally within the worship space.
The building plan demonstrates thoughtful spatial organization relating the church to surrounding monastic structures. The nave design accommodates both community seating and a dedicated monastic choir section, reflecting the contemplative function of a Trappist community.
