Chapel of Awareness | Reverend Eugene Larr

About us

Reverend Eugene C. Larr founded Chapel of Awareness in Encinitas, California.

Rev. Larr was a practicing clairvoyant, clairaudient trance-medium starting in 1949. Early in his life, he began the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism. A few years later, he was introduced to Spiritualism by Rev. Jean Bradley of St. Michael’s Spiritual Church in Pasadena, California.

Rev. Larr was also a true academic, receiving doctorates in both Micro-Paleontology and Religious Science, and minor degrees in Astronomy and Astrophysics. His academic and spiritual training enabled him to have an open mind, and deep understanding of life. Our members still look back fondly on our charismatic founder.

During a time when Rev. Larr was conducting classes from his home, he received a message from spirit which included names and a phone number of individuals who would help him start a church. Upon contacting these strangers, they began attending classes at his home; and eventually gifted him the beautiful property we call home today- The Chapel of Awareness.

Donald R. Schwartz was the Co-Founder of Chapel of Awareness.

Donald was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA in 1931. From an early age he had a love for animals that began to express itself through art. Though it was not clear then that he would become an artist, he won a lifetime membership in the Humane Society of America for a picture he composed when in the Fourth grade. Don said of that experience, “My heart was moved by a picture of a dog which had been injured by a car. I painted a picture of the dog and entered it in a contest with the title ‘Please Care’ and I won.” He went on to share, “I was always full of love for animals. They are so vulnerable to the whims of their owners, and yet are so loyal and forgiving. I wanted to speak for the little animals that need someone to care for them. I still do.”

While visiting Pasadena one day he saw a ‘Help Wanted’ ad in the office window of an optical firm and stepped inside saying, “I’m here for the position.” Dr. Eugene C. Larr, owner of Larr Optics, hired him on the spot and their professional relationship became a fast and enduring friendship that lasted until Dr. Larr’s death in 2006.

At Chapel of Awareness, he focused on healing – helping others to contribute to their own healing and to healing others. Many a person and wounded critter came his way and he always had time for each.

Chapel of Awareness opened it's doors on Christmas Eve, 1972; and has served as a spiritual home, a place for healing, and a school ever since.

Since 1972, The Chapel of Awareness has ordained 28 Ministers and 7 Healers. Over 9,000 students, from near and far, have passed through our door to develop their awareness. Many opened up to embrace a Golden Thread of truth which is woven through all faiths and religions; but exists alone without human dogma.

We stand on the threshold of a Great Age, an Age of Love, Compassion, and Understanding. We are ushered into our dawning awareness as we explore the new dawn together.

The Story of Tau Sing

The Spirit Tau Sing gifted Rev. Larr the principles which helped form the philosophy of the Chapel of Awareness. Tau Sing also dictated the bylaws of the corporation, and all of the material we teach in our program.

A Message from Tau Sing

December, 1997

“Through all time, the great spiritual leaders have been saying the same teaching; but as time had slipped by, these truths have been almost destroyed by the dogma added by mankind. Almost all the additions and deletions have diluted or destroyed what the original teacher was trying to say. In many cases these changes were made by the priesthood to gain control over the populace. This has produced the fanaticism we witness today … an action that no enlightened teacher would have approved. The true information is simple and very straightforward; and is easily followed. Keeping these truths in their pure forms is a must for mankind to live a full and rewarding life.”

“You are here to learn lessons; some times you have elected to learn more than one. But regardless of the number, when you have experienced them you are all going to the spirit side whether you want to or not. You have done it before and will possibly do it many more times. The rate you develop is up to you, and only you. No one on spirit side makes you do anything. Judging yourself is the way, and you are very hard on yourself because you know the truth.”

“So start preparing yourself for this wonderful pathway called living that lies before you. Get rid of your restrictive mental attitudes and your fears of future events. Live in the now; for, in fact, that is all you can do anyway.”

“Remember … naked you came into this world, and naked you will leave it. So give some thought to what you will take with you this next time. The truths we are talking about are the following:”

You are responsible for your actions, only you
Avoidance of excess in all things
Non-interference
No distractions"

“These four simple guiding thoughts are all that is required to live a full and rewarding life … here and now.”