Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples |
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2041 Larkin Street in March 2024
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| 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 place 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 cultures. It also welcomed people from different faiths and Christian groups.
The church's main goal is to help people grow stronger and make positive changes in the world. They believe in connecting deeply with a spiritual power. Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, was one of its first leaders. In 2023, the church building at 2041 Larkin Street became a San Francisco Designated Landmark. This means it's an important historical site for the city.
Contents
History of Fellowship Church
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 brought together people of all races and cultures. Dr. Thurman served as a co-pastor with a white minister, Dr. Alfred Fisk.
Many people who joined the 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 supported the war effort. The church helped these new residents find a community and feel at home in San Francisco.
Church Leaders and Community
Today, the Rev. Dorsey Blake is the main minister. Kathryn Benton is the co-minister. The church has a smaller group of active members now. Many of them have been part of the church for a long time.
The church building has a light-colored outside wall. It has three arched doors at street level. A bell tower leans slightly at the top. Below the main worship area is Thurman Hall. This hall is named after Dr. Thurman. It is used for meetings, plays, talks, and music performances. Sometimes, a Muslim leader might lead a service. Sermons might also include ideas from Hinduism or Judaism.
Church's Role in the Community
Local people know the church well. It is often used as a place where people can vote. Neighbors also hold meetings there. Other groups use the church for their gatherings too.
In the 1980s, the Fellowship Theater Guild brought plays and arts back to the church. They put on many shows. These included "I'm Not Rappaport" and "LUV". They also performed "Member of the Wedding" and "An Evening with Martin and Langston". In this play, Danny Glover acted as Langston Hughes. Felix Justice played Martin Luther King Jr..
Later, in 2005, Felix Justice returned in a play called Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train. In 2006, local jazz singer Kim Nalley played the famous Billie Holiday. This was in a play called Lady Day in Love. Since 2007, the church has hosted the Howard Thurman Forum Series. These are free talks held in the church building.
Howard Thurman Award
Each October, the church holds an annual event called the Convocation. Everyone is welcome to attend. During this event, they give out the Howard Thurman Award. This award honors people who have done great things for their community. It also recognizes those who have worked for social justice.
Past winners include Congresswoman Barbara Lee. She represents California's 9th District. Rev. Nelson Johnson and Joyce Johnson from Greensboro, North Carolina, also received the award. In 2008, Chaplain James Yee was honored. He was a Muslim chaplain for the U.S. Army. He served at the prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
