Commission recommends landmark designation for Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on April 19 voted unanimously to recommend landmark designation of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, 2041 Larkin Street, forwarding the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

Planning staff summarized the church's history and significance. The department noted the site's association with Dr. Howard Thurman and Sue Bailey Thurman, its role in African American social and cultural life, and the building's physical integrity. Staff told the commission the designation meets eligibility requirements and that a prior commission resolution (No. 1317) initiated the landmark process.

Several public speakers, including congregation members and community historians, described the church's legacy of intercultural worship, music, and community programs. A public speaker said the congregation's "mind and heart are 1 accord" in seeking designation. Commissioners expressed strong support: Commissioner Black, speaking at his final meeting, said he was "in full support of landmarking this." Commissioner Johns moved to recommend the designation with staff corrections and amendments read into the record; the commission voted 6 to 0 to forward the designation to the Board of Supervisors.

The commission's recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for final action; staff noted the resolution will include corrections read into the record at the hearing.