How would you like to step back in time to the origins of Japanese American Methodist churches? We are standing before Pine United Methodist Church. It is a cornerstone of faith and community in San Francisco. Pine United Methodist Church’s story began long before this building existed. Its roots reach back to the 1870s.
Imagine a small group of young men from Japan. They gathered in the basement of the Chinese Mission. This was at the corner of Washington and Stockton Streets. Dr. Otis Gibson guided them. He was the Superintendent of the Chinese Mission. These young men studied the Bible and English together. In 1877, this group formed the Japanese Gospel Society. It was also known as Fukuin Kai. This society was the seed. From it grew Pine United Methodist Church and other Japanese Christian churches in the United States. This early period is called the Anagura Jidai or Cellar Days. It launched the history of Pine United Methodist Church.
Pine United Methodist Church was formally founded in 1886. Dr. Merriman Harris arrived from Japan. He was appointed Superintendent of the Japanese Missions. This appointment was by the Methodist California Annual Conference.
In 1892, Pine United Methodist Church purchased land. The land was for an independent church building. It was located at 1329 Pine Street. The new building was consecrated in 1894.
The Pacific Japanese Mission Conference was organized in 1900. It operated under the Methodist California Conference. In 1909, the church moved to 1359 Pine Street.
World War II brought immense challenges. From 1942 to 1945, the church closed. This was due to the forced internment of 120000 persons of Japanese ancestry. These people were from the West Coast. The doors of Pine United Methodist Church reopened in 1946.
In 1965, Pine United Methodist Church moved to its current location. It is at 426 33rd Avenue. The mortgage for this building was burned in 1973. This marked a new chapter of stability and growth. Pine United Methodist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1986.
Pine United Methodist Church declared itself a “Reconciling Church” in 1994. This demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity. In 2003, Pine United Methodist Church became a “Sister Church” to Masjed Darussalam Mosque. This fostered interfaith understanding. The CityLight Fellowship was launched in 2006. Pine United Methodist Church celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2006. In 2014, it celebrated 20 years as a Reconciling Church.
Today, Pine United Methodist Church continues to thrive. It is a diverse and welcoming community. It is committed to following wherever God is leading. It is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of San Francisco and the world. As you leave Pine United Methodist Church, consider its enduring legacy. Think about its commitment to faith, justice, and community.