How about stepping back in time to when refugees sought solace? This is the story of St. Emydius Church. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience in San Francisco’s Ingleside district.
St. Emydius Church is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of community and hope. Its roots are intertwined with the city’s history, particularly the aftermath of the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire.
The story begins with a growing Catholic population in the southwest quarter of San Francisco. Many were Irish railroad workers, Italian farmworkers, and Swiss dairymen. Before St. Emydius, attending mass meant a long journey. Some traveled three to six miles to St. Paul’s Church in Noe Valley.
The 1906 earthquake changed everything. A refugee camp sprung up on the Ingleside Racetrack grounds. The Ingleside’s population exploded. Among these newcomers were many Catholics. They had lost everything.
At first, church activities were held in homes and businesses. Barney Farley, a local character, offered his gymnasium for mass. Priests from St. Michael’s and St. Peter and Paul’s traveled to serve the community.
In 1910, local Catholics formed a building association. They collected dues and organized fundraisers. They purchased land at DeMontfort and Ashton Avenues.
In 1913, the Archdiocese recognized their efforts. It created a new parish named after St. Emydius. He is the patron saint for deliverance from earthquakes. The name “Em-ee-dee-us” caused endless pronunciation issues. Parish records show creative spellings like “Emydens” and “Enynidus.”
Before the church was built, three shacks served as the first St. Emydius Church. Barney Farley’s gymnasium continued to host catechism and social events. In 1914, the first St. Emydius Church opened. It was a handsome Tudor Gothic building with a corner tower.
But the congregation quickly outgrew the space. A larger St. Emydius was needed. In 1928, the new St. Emydius was dedicated. It was a golden-domed, twin-towered structure modeled after the Cathedral of Guadaloupe in Mexico City. The new church had an 800-person capacity.
Over the next forty years, the surrounding neighborhoods grew. St. Emydius served a large Catholic population. In 1939, a parochial school opened. After World War II, the parish population doubled. A gymnasium and playground were added.
The 1960s and 1970s brought new challenges. The neighborhood’s identity shifted. Catholics moved away. Church attendance declined. St. Emydius found itself at the center of these changes. The Archdiocese closed many parish churches and schools. St. Emydius’s school closed in the early 2000s after sixty years.
Despite these challenges, St. Emydius persevered. The church building was recently renovated and retrofitted. The golden towers of St. Emydius still shine brightly. Today, St. Emydius Church remains a vibrant part of the Ingleside district. It welcomes everyone to celebrate the Eucharist. It offers consolation, strength, and a sense of mission.