Picture the imposing structure of Saint John’s Presbyterian Church. It stands proudly at 25 Lake Street and 201 Arguello Boulevard. This isn’t just any church. It’s a piece of San Francisco history. Built in 1905 its Gothic Revival Shingle Style architecture is breathtaking.
Saint John’s has a rich past. It wasn’t always here in the Richmond District. Its journey began on Post Street near Mason. There it occupied the former St James Episcopal Church. In 1870 Saint John’s purchased the building for a hefty $45000. Dr William Anderson Scott served as its first pastor. Membership boomed from 61 to 382 under his leadership.
The church moved to California and Octavia Streets in 1888. This move proved challenging. Membership declined. Financial difficulties arose. Calvary Presbyterian Church even shared the space while building its own. They helped Saint John’s pay its mortgage. A merger was even considered.
Yet Saint John’s persevered. In 1902 it relocated to its current location thanks to Arthur W Foster’s generosity. The area was then mostly sand dunes. Row houses eventually sprung up around it. The first service in the new building was held on Easter Sunday April 15 1906. Just three days later the Great San Francisco Earthquake struck. The church suffered damage. Repairs took a year. Services were held in members’ homes during that time. The earthquake’s aftermath led to the founding of another Saint John’s Presbyterian Church in Berkeley. Many San Franciscans relocated across the bay. Former congregants established a new church there. Dr George Granville Eldridge the previous pastor of Saint John’s San Francisco became its founding pastor.
Saint John’s Presbyterian Church has even graced the silver screen. It was a filming location for the movies So I Married an Axe Murderer and Little City.
Today Saint John’s continues to serve its community. It’s a place of worship open and affirming to all. It stands as a testament to resilience faith and the enduring spirit of San Francisco. It’s a truly remarkable landmark. A place that deserves appreciation and awe.