Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples
The church building at 2041 Larkin Street in March 2024
Location	San Francisco, California, United States
History
Founded	1944
Founder(s)	Howard Thurman

The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, also known as Fellowship Church, is a special organization in San Francisco, California. It was started in 1944. This church was the first in the United States to welcome people of all races and backgrounds. It also welcomed people from different religions and Christian groups.

The church's main goal is to help people feel strong and make positive changes in the world. They believe in connecting with a spiritual power that is in all life.

How the Church Started

In 1944, a Baptist minister named Howard Thurman helped create the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples. He left his job at Howard University to do this. It was the first church in the U.S. that was open to everyone, no matter their race or background.

Dr. Thurman worked as a co-pastor with a white minister, Dr. Alfred Fisk. Many people in their church were African Americans. They had moved to San Francisco from states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. They came looking for jobs in factories that helped with the war effort. The church helped these new residents find a community in San Francisco.

About the Church Today

The main minister of the church now is Rev. Dorsey Blake. Kathryn Benton is the co-minister. The church has a smaller group of active members today. Many of them have been part of the church for a long time.

The church building has an off-white outside made of stucco. It has three arched doors at street level. On top, there is a bell tower that leans a little. Below the main church area, there is a hall called Thurman Hall. It is named after Dr. Thurman. This hall is used for meetings, plays, talks, and music performances.

The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples is unique because it welcomes different faiths. For example, a Muslim imam might lead a service. Sermons might also include ideas from Hinduism or Judaism.

Neighbors know the church well. It is often used as a place where people can go to vote. The leaning bell tower is also a familiar sight. Many groups, including neighbors, hold meetings at the church.

In the 1980s, a group called the Fellowship Theater Guild brought back the church's love for the arts. They put on many plays. Famous actors like Danny Glover have performed there. He played Langston Hughes in one show. Felix Justice played Martin Luther King Jr. in the same play.

In 2005, Felix Justice returned for another play. In 2006, local jazz singer Kim Nalley played the famous singer Billie Holiday in a play. Since 2007, the church has hosted the Howard Thurman Forum Series. These are free talks held in the church building.

Every October, the church holds its yearly Convocation. It is open to everyone. During this event, they give out the Howard Thurman Award. This award honors someone who has done great things for their community and for fairness in society. Past winners include Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Another winner was Chaplain James Yee, a former US Army chaplain who helped people in a prison camp.

A Special Landmark in San Francisco

In 2023, the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples building became a San Francisco Designated Landmark. This means it is an important historical place in the city. It was recognized for its important role in San Francisco's history.