Built in 1894 Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It’s one of the oldest Lutheran congregations on the West Coast. The church’s red brick Romanesque Revival exterior is striking. The Gothic Revival interior is equally impressive.
Imagine the cornerstone being laid in June 1894. German-American architect Henry Geilfuss designed this grand building. The cost was a substantial $56000 for the time. Claus Spreckels a sugar tycoon donated a magnificent chandelier and Schoenstein organ. These were moved from the Geary Street Church.
The 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires devastated San Francisco. Saint Mark’s was damaged. The east tower weakened. The cross melted in the intense heat. Yet the church stood. It became a refuge for those left homeless. The church survived even nearby dynamite explosions.
The church underwent a significant renovation and seismic retrofit from 2005 to 2006. This $11 million project restored the original details. The sanctuary’s beauty was renewed. The exterior remains much as it did in 1895. A new slate roof was added. New systems ensured the building’s survival in future earthquakes.
In 2007 a magnificent Taylor & Boody tracker organ was installed. It sits in the sanctuary’s balcony. The church received a Preservation Design Award in 2007. Saint Mark’s continues to be a vital part of the San Francisco community. Its history resonates within these walls. It welcomes all with open hearts and spirits. The church’s rich history and architectural beauty are a sight to behold. Step inside and feel the weight of history. Feel the warmth of community.