“Welcome to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church!” Those were the first words spoken at a bilingual service a few years ago. This neo-Gothic church stands as a testament to faith and community. Its history is interwoven with San Francisco’s story.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church has stood here since 1908. But its roots go deeper. The congregation formed in 1895. Pastor Hermann Gehrke founded it. He came from Hildesheim Germany.
Imagine San Francisco in the late 19th century. A wave of German immigrants sought new lives here. St. Matthew’s became their spiritual home. It offered services in their native tongue.
The original church was lost in the 1906 earthquake. This wooden structure rose in its place. It was modeled after a church in Hildesheim. That church was Pastor Gehrke’s home church.
Look closely at the stained-glass windows. They are like jewels. They honor early members of St. Matthew’s. Albert Kuner designed California’s state seal. Helene Strybing gifted the Strybing Arboretum.
St. Matthew’s faced challenges during the World Wars. Many German-speaking churches stopped services in German. They wanted to avoid suspicion. But St. Matthew’s kept its German services. It added English services too.
During World War II, St. Matthew’s was unique. It was the only San Francisco church with German services. Pastor Hermann Lucas ministered to German prisoners of war. They were held on nearby islands.
After the war, the congregation helped those in Germany. They collected food and clothing. New German immigrants joined St. Matthew’s. The church gained new life.
Today, St. Matthew’s still holds German services. It is the only church in Northern California to do so weekly. The church also serves as a community center. German choral groups use it. A German accordion youth orchestra plays here too.
The neighborhood around St. Matthew’s is rich in history. Across the street sits Mission Dolores. It is San Francisco’s oldest building. A reformed synagogue is also nearby. The two congregations celebrate Thanksgiving together.
Listen to the music within these walls. The organ was built in 1923. It was restored in 2016. Its sounds fill the sanctuary. Choirs also use the church for concerts. Its acoustics are excellent.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church stands for more than history. It represents community. It embodies resilience. It is a place where faith and culture meet. It welcomes all who seek solace and connection.