In 1906, a man who had a mission in Oakland, California, heard about the Azusa Street Pentecostal revival happening in Los Angeles. He had been preaching that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was received at Entire Sanctification, but became convinced he was in error. So he wrote to the Azusa ministry, asking them to send someone to fill in for him while he came to Azusa to seek for the Pentecostal experience. Florence Crawford (later the founder of The Apostolic Faith Church with headquarters in Portland, Oregon) and a team of workers were sent Oakland to take charge of the meetings during the pastor's absence. After a time he returned to his post, not having received the experience. However, shortly afterward, while Florence Crawford was still there, he received his Baptism.

 

While in Oakland, Florence Crawford looked up some people in San Francisco who had written to the Azusa correspondence office to inquire of the work in Los Angeles. She arranged to hold cottage meetings in San Francisco, and this became the first mission she established.

 

In 1913 the gospel work was started in Oakland and it was under the leadership of Brother Harry Lane. Around this same time Brother Alan Crabtree (longtime Apostolic Faith Pastor and Evangelist) went to Oakland from Los Angeles. It was in 1914 that the church was moved from Oakland, to Fourth and Howard Streets in San Francisco. This was in a basement, below a cobbler's shop. According to Brother Crabtree, “God did work in a wonderful way in that basement.”

 

Brother Jack Robbins (later the Assistant General Overseer of the Apostolic Faith work) was sent to San Francisco to take charge of the work in 1919. The church was located at 680 Howard Street but later moved to the corner of Valencia and 21st Street. On November 10, 1921, Brother Raymond Crawford dedicated a new location at Minna and 3rd Streets. From Brother Ray's diary we learn that on January 18, 1925, the new mission at 765 Howard was opened. He noted: “Wonderful day, immense crowds, numbers saved, all saints delighted. I preached from Joshua 1 and 1 Corinthians 1.”

 

In 1928, the church moved to 48 Third Street. Sister Edna Damron recalls that she and Brother Damron (Long time pastors whose son Forrest Damron became a longtime missionary to the West Indies) were sent to San Francisca that year to take charge of the work for two years. “God worked in this lighthouse, and sent a gleam over the city for many years. It takes grace and power to stand in that wicked city, but the Lord has developed some strong soldiers there who have held the Royal banner high for many years. Sister (Florence) Crawford used to like to come down and spend a few weeks there and join in the fight of right against wrong. Many grand warriors have made the Goal from that city.”

 

In 1932, the church was on the move again – this time to 111 Third Street. One of the best decisions ever made was when the church was moved to 749 Market Street, between Third and Fourth Streets, just opposite the intersection of Grant Avenue. Dedication services were Sunday, March 20, 1938. The last day of the revival services was April 4, 1938. Brother Raymond Crawford's (General Overseer of the Apostolic Faith work 1936-1965) notes included the following report: “Had glorious revival in San Francisco. Over 20 saved, and such a wonderful spirit on the meetings from start to finish. New hall and location ideal for work here.”

 

Just a few years later the Market Street building was sold, and the congregation had to move again. After those many years of moving from one rented building to another, it was decided to purchase a building, and remodel it for church use. A building at 1227 Sutter Street, between Polk and Van Ness Avenue, was secured, and the deal was closed February 18, 1946. After an extensive refurbishing, it became a most beautiful sanctuary. Dedication services were May 19, 1946. For nearly 50 years people traveled from all over the Bay Area to worship at the Sutter Street location. God gave the increase and the work prospered over the years. As the neighborhood changed and many members faced increasing distances to commute plus the prospect of extensive and expensive remodeling which became necessary, the congregation felt God's direction to once again move. The Sutter Street building was sold and new property obtained for a church and parsonage at 4585 Hilltop Drive, Richmond/ El Sobrante, California. A new church building was constructed by the congregation and tearfully dedicated on March 23, 1997.

To read about the miraculous way in which God directed in the move to our current location please read “From Sutter Street to Hilltop Drive.”