Corpus Christi Church

Did the hills of Piedmont, Italy, inspire Corpus Christi Church here in San Francisco? It’s a common misconception that the church echoes California Mission architecture. However, its design actually draws inspiration from 10th-century Italy, a nod to the rolling hills of Piedmont. Corpus Christi Parish was established in 1929, under the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Its first pastor, Reverend Francis D. Ahern, officially opened the parish in November of that same year. Initially, the parish operated out of a rented cottage on St. James Drive. By 1930, the archdiocese acquired the property at St. James Drive and Park Boulevard, where Corpus Christi Church stands today. Construction of a combined church and rectory began in September 1930, completed and blessed by Archbishop Hanna in January 1931. This early church could accommodate 160 parishioners. With the arrival of Father Edwin J. Keller in 1933, the parish saw significant growth, reaching 250 families. Recognizing the need for expansion, Father Keller spearheaded the construction of the current church, dedicated in 1936. Decades later, continued growth led to another expansion project in 1962. This project doubled the church’s size, extending it by 55 feet and increasing its capacity to 1,000 parishioners. A new rectory was completed in 1967, finally providing the parish with a complete complex: church, school, and rectory. In 1997, a seismic retrofit mandated by the city of Piedmont prompted a major renovation under Father Albano Oliveira. This renovation included improvements to the school, church building renovations, and the creation of the Gibson Center and Plaza. The renovated Corpus Christi Church, the one you see today, was dedicated in March 1998. Sadly, Father Oliveira passed away shortly after, leaving behind a revitalized parish complex as his legacy. Corpus Christi Church continues to serve its community through various programs, from baptismal preparation to adult ministries, reflecting its ongoing vibrancy and commitment to its parishioners.