Saint James Presbyterian Church recommended as Visitation Valley’s first landmark; forwarded to Board of Supervisors

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission unanimously adopted a recommendation on Nov. 2, 2022 to designate Saint James Presbyterian Church (240 Leland Avenue in Visitation Valley) as a city landmark and forward the nomination to the Board of Supervisors.

Department staff and Supervisor Walton’s legislative aide described the church as Visitation Valley’s first landmark nomination, noting the congregation formed around 1908 and the current building — designed by architect Julia Morgan — was dedicated in March 1923 after construction in 1922. Staff told the commission the church retains significant interior and exterior character‑defining features, including a prominent stained‑glass window depicting the parable of the sower and an open sanctuary with wood beams and exposed metalwork.

“Visitation Valley currently has no historical landmark designations and this will be the very first,” Supervisor Walton’s legislative aide said during the presentation, adding that the nomination grew from local community work with the Visitation Valley History Project. Planning staff recommended approval and said the building meets Article 10 eligibility requirements for landmark designation.

Speakers from the congregation and preservation groups spoke in support. Pastor Fernando Del Rosario said landmark status would help the small congregation preserve a building and a community legacy dating back more than a century and would provide neighborhood pride. Representatives from the San Francisco Presbytery, San Francisco Heritage, and the Visitation Valley History Project described the effort as a community collaboration and emphasized the church’s cultural significance to a mostly Filipino congregation.

Commissioners commended the nomination’s community support and architectural significance. Commissioner Johns moved to adopt a recommendation for approval; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously, 6–0. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration.