The Church of the
Fellowship of All Peoples

2041 Larkin Street
San Francisco

The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples was conceived by Rev. Alfred G. Fisk, Ph. D. in 1943.  In discussions with the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Fisk expressed distress over the removal of Japanese citizens to relocation camps, and the prejudice toward African Americans who came to San Francisco to work in World War II industries.  He envisioned a place of worship which would provide understanding and respect for all races and religions.

Dr. Fisk enlisted Dr. Howard Thurman to become co-pastor of the new church.  Dr. Thurman was the Dean of the Chapel at Howard University in Washington, D. C. and could not leave Howard until the end of the academic year in July 1, 1944.

First services were held December 12, 1943.  The church was named “Fellowship Church” on February 14, 1944.  The first church board, ten Caucasians, and ten African Americans, was elected in June 1944.

The Presbyterian Church committed to support Dr. Fisk’s concept with a modest stipend and loaned the vacant Japanese Presbyterian Church and rectory on Geary Street. 

Dr. Fisk, the head of the Philosophy and Psychology Department at San Francisco State, became co-pastor at half pay.  Dr. Thurman left Howard University on a one-year leave of absence and stayed at the Fellowship Church for nine years.  Before leaving Washington, D. C., Dr. Thurman described his vision for the new church at a testimonial dinner in his honor.  Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the main speakers at that event, which was covered by Time magazine.

The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples was incorporated on January 9, 1948.

On January 19, 1949, The Fellowship Church of All Peoples purchased the former St. John German Evangelical Church at 2041 Larkin Street.  The church had been built in the early 1900’s to serve the immigrant German population which had settled on Russian Hill. 

The leaded opalescent glass windows in the church were probably installed when the building was constructed.  In 1953 and 1957, Carl Huneke, Century Stained Glass Studio, San Francisco, completely rebuilt two of the windows, the first and the fifth windows from the back on the south side of the sanctuary.

Mr. Huneke also created the leaded amber glass panels in the screen between the narthex and the sanctuary.

Following the vision of its white Presbyterian and black Baptist founders, The Church of the Fellowship of All Peoples continues as a place of worship which touches the spirit of all races and all faiths.