Christ Cathedral Cultural Center Renamed to Honor Philanthropic Legacy
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Every year, over a million people visit the Christ Cathedral campus. Whether it’s for a wedding, a funeral, a graduation, a big conference or even a movie premiere, you’ll find people from all walks of life. The Christ-centered interactions that unfold on the Catholic campus and its ecumenical spaces are a beautiful reflection of what Richard “Dick” Pickup envisioned when he supported the transformation of the Crystal Cathedral into Christ Cathedral.
Now, every event or special gathering held within the walls of the newly renamed Richard H. Pickup Cultural Center will become part of his philanthropic legacy, including those hosted by The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF). The updated sign, which is prominently displayed on the front of the building, was installed in June 2025.
Pickup’s investment success fueled his passion for philanthropy, significantly impacting Orange County and beyond. His transformative gifts to Newport Beach’s Hoag Hospital established the Richard H. Pickup Center for Brain Health along with the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. These contributions alone revolutionized brain health care and treatment in the region.
At the dedication of the Pickup Family Neurosciences Center in 2019, Dick shared, “For years, I heard my pastor, Dr. Huffman, say, ‘Don’t just give until it hurts; instead, give until it feels good.' I have learned the reality of what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing to others. Let me assure you that this feels good to me. And I know that this will continue to bear rich dividends for others long after I am no longer here.”
Pickup’s support of the former megachurch campus of Crystal Cathedral, now known as Christ Cathedral, was a powerful testament to his philanthropic philosophy. Given Pickup was a Presbyterian, his gift to Christ Cathedral embodied the authentic spirit of ecumenism among all Christians. Some even call his generous contribution a “game-changer” because it became the largest capital gift ever received by the Diocese of Orange.
The multi-year pledge was facilitated through OCF. When the commitment was made, then co-chair of the cathedral’s development board, Tim Busch, said Pickup’s generous donation would help “our vision of creating a true center of gravity within Orange County, a center that celebrates the most inspiring qualities of our community.” Several years later, countless visitors leave the ecumenical spaces deeply touched by a place where all are welcome.
In April 2024, Dick passed away at the age of 90.
The Richard H. Pickup Cultural Center is a five-story, 53,000-square-foot ovalinear structure designed by the Getty Center architect Richard Meier. It features a theater, chapel, reception and multipurpose rooms, plus the Christ Cathedral Shop. It hosts community events and exhibitions, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, and even appeared as Star Fleet Command in Star Trek: Into Darkness.
Donor recognition opportunities on the Christ Cathedral campus support the New Evangelization in Orange County and beyond. To honor a loved one or give thanks to God through naming and memorial opportunity, contact The Orange Catholic Foundation at info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org or 714.282.3021 to learn more.