Commission initiates landmark designation for Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples
March 01, 2023 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to initiate landmark designation for the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, located at 2041 Larkin Street, citing the building's historical and cultural significance and strong community support.
Planning preservation staff presented the initiation request and said the property is significant for its association with interracial and interdenominational worship and its links to nationally known figures. Staff noted the church was co-founded by Dr. Alfred Fisk and Dr. Howard Thurman and recommended initiation to advance the commission's priorities for designation and social equity, referencing "resolution number 11 27" as guiding priorities in the commission's work (as transcribed).
Reverend Dorsey Blake, presiding minister of the church, told the commission that landmark designation would "fulfill the dream of many at Fellowship Church" and described the designation's importance to the African American community and to national recognition of Dr. Thurman's legacy. Brian Casten, chair of the church's board, and other community speakers urged support; Christine/Christina Madrid of San Francisco Heritage (as transcribed) and Aaron Bridal of the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Foundation also spoke in favor.
Commissioners asked staff to explicitly highlight Dr. Howard Thurman's contributions under the person-based criterion (Criterion B) and to include Sue Bailey Thurman in the designation. Commission President Matsuda asked staff to expand the report to call out Thurman's significance and the building's earlier associations, including a prior connection to Japantown noted in the report.
A motion to initiate landmark designation, amended to include additional callouts for Dr. Thurman's contributions and to include Sue Bailey Thurman, passed unanimously. Staff indicated the nomination will proceed through the landmarking process with the recommended callouts and further documentation.
The commission adjourned following the vote.
Planning preservation staff presented the initiation request and said the property is significant for its association with interracial and interdenominational worship and its links to nationally known figures. Staff noted the church was co-founded by Dr. Alfred Fisk and Dr. Howard Thurman and recommended initiation to advance the commission's priorities for designation and social equity, referencing "resolution number 11 27" as guiding priorities in the commission's work (as transcribed).
Reverend Dorsey Blake, presiding minister of the church, told the commission that landmark designation would "fulfill the dream of many at Fellowship Church" and described the designation's importance to the African American community and to national recognition of Dr. Thurman's legacy. Brian Casten, chair of the church's board, and other community speakers urged support; Christine/Christina Madrid of San Francisco Heritage (as transcribed) and Aaron Bridal of the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Foundation also spoke in favor.
Commissioners asked staff to explicitly highlight Dr. Howard Thurman's contributions under the person-based criterion (Criterion B) and to include Sue Bailey Thurman in the designation. Commission President Matsuda asked staff to expand the report to call out Thurman's significance and the building's earlier associations, including a prior connection to Japantown noted in the report.
A motion to initiate landmark designation, amended to include additional callouts for Dr. Thurman's contributions and to include Sue Bailey Thurman, passed unanimously. Staff indicated the nomination will proceed through the landmarking process with the recommended callouts and further documentation.
The commission adjourned following the vote.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
