Longtime architectural photographer Robert Berger presented photographs from his recently published book "Sacred Spaces: Historic Houses of Worship in the City of Angels," (Balcony Press, Glendale, 2003). The benefit event was held at Wilshire Boulevard Temple.

Father Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said Berger's work helps Angelenos appreciate their local history.

"Most people in Los Angeles don't think of Los Angeles as having a religious history. And we do as evidenced in this book," said Father Smith.

For more than three and a half years Berger visited over 300 historic houses of worship in Los Angeles, including Roman Catholic, Christian, Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox churches and Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist temples. His book showcases 54 of them. Architectural historian Alfred Willis offers unique tales of Los Angeles history, celebrity weddings and funerals.

Among the Catholic churches photographed and profiled are Blessed Sacrament, Holy Cross, Precious Blood, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady Queen of Angels, St. Brendan, St. Cecilia, St. Mary, St. Paul, St. Vibiana Cathedral, and St. Vincent in Los Angeles, St. Monica in Santa Monica and Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills.

Proceeds from Berger's slide presentation and lecture at the temple benefited the Food and Shelter Programs of Hope-Net, an interfaith organization dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness in the Wilshire Center Area of L.A. Hope-Net maintains food pantries in area parishes and congregations and distributes to those in need.

"The whole Hope-Net project is a wonderful example of different churches and temples and mosques working together for the common good. It's practical ecumenism," added Father Smith.

Copies of "Sacred Spaces" can be purchased through Hope-Net by calling (213) 389-9949.