The First African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church was founded in the City of San Francisco on August 1, 1852, by the Reverend John Jamison Moore. Rev. Moore carefully pastored the church and participated extensively in civic afffairs.
History records that in 1852, the First Church home was a modest house of worship on Stockton Street (between Broadway and Pacific), San Francisco. The church remained at this location for six years. In 1858, the Second Church Home was located on Pacific Street. It was a brick chapel built by First Church. The congregation worshipped there for six years.
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!
We are a ministry founded on Biblical principles. We aim to serve a community bewildered by the burdens of life. We offer resources to mend torn lives and broken spirits. We will be dedicated to the cause of Christ by being efficacious in the various ministries/souls that have been placed in our care. Our environment is conducive to learning, thus inspiring one to be all one can be in promoting God’s Kingdom. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Proverbs 29:18