In 1864, the congregation purchased the Rev. Thomas Starr King Church property worth $50,000. For the next decade the church was known as “The Starr King Methodist Church”, this edifice was less than 10 years old when purchased. It had a pipe organ and the church was described as one of the most beautiful in San Francisco and there was none in the country that excelled it. First Church continued to provide a focus on educational, cultural, social and political activities, especially spiritual sustenance. The church was completely destroyed in the great earthquake and fire of 1906; there was nothing to be salvaged from the ashes, not even one record. The church was without a pastor for three years as the congregation undertook the formidable task of finding a new location, and erecting a new church building.

In 1909, when the Rev. W.J. Byers arrived, the three years that had elapsed found the membership scattered(some left town, some joined other churches). Our friends at Bethel A.M.E. Church loaned their sanctuary for Sunday afternoon worship.

When the Rev. W. W. Mathhews arrived, the membership, though small in number, was able to regroup and sold the lot on Stockton Street for $18,000 and bought the Geary Street property. Due to the redevelopment of the Western Addition, the church family had to relocate. A new church building was erected in 1960 at the present location, 2159 Golden Gate Avenue, and the doors of the church have been opened every Sunday this edifice for the Worship and Glory of God!