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Commission initiates landmark nomination for Third Baptist Church after broad community support
Summary
The commission voted to initiate an Article 10 landmark designation for Third Baptist Church (1399 McAllister St), citing its post‑war architecture and long record of civil‑rights and community service under leaders including Frederick Douglas Haynes Sr. and Pastor Amos C. Brown.
San Francisco — The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously moved on July 19 to initiate Article 10 landmark designation for Third Baptist Church, a congregation with roots dating to 1852 whose current complex (built 1952–56) has been identified by staff as eligible for designation based on architecture and civil‑rights associations.
Desiree Smith of Planning Department staff summarized the nomination, noting the complex’s significance for African‑American social, economic and political advancement under leaders such as Reverend Frederick Douglas Haynes Sr. and the congregation’s continuing programs under Pastor Amos C. Brown. "The department believes that Third Baptist Church complex meets the established eligibility requirements and that landmark designation is warranted," Smith said.
Representatives from Third Baptist — chairman of the deacons Alfonso Campbell and trustee board chair Preston Turner — told the commission the congregation hoped the initiation could be completed in time for the centering congregation’s upcoming anniversary celebration. Dozens of community leaders and congregants spoke in favor, including community activists, clergy and longtime members. Kevin Epps, a community activist and filmmaker, said the church remains "a beacon of so many important things that go on in the community." Reverend Amos C. Brown, present at the hearing, said the designation would show "the city of Saint Francis has not lost its soul" and invited commissioners to the congregation’s September celebration.
Commissioners praised the nomination and asked staff to incorporate additional documentary material into the second draft — including wider contextual material on Reverend Haynes’ anti‑redevelopment work and more photographs and bibliography. Commissioner Johns moved to forward the recommendation to the next stage; motion passed (recorded vote 4–0 due to one commissioner’s departure).
What’s next: Staff will prepare an updated draft nomination with additional photographs, bibliography and references to the church’s role in Western Addition redevelopment history, and will return the item for a second hearing and final recommendation.
