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    Old St Mary's Cathedral

    4.5 (58 reviews)

    Old St Mary's Cathedral Photos

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    Travis T.

    I love old churches. This one was built in 1854 and was once the tallest building in San Francisco. It is the first cathedral of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The exterior and bell tower survived the fires from the 1906 earthquake. Under the clock in the front is a plaque with a verse that was meant to deter the men who would visit the brothels that were once across the street. Old St Mary's Cathedral is located next to Chinatown and the financial district and is a registered historic landmark. I recently walked by here and spent some time observing its beautiful Gothic Revival style design and the red bricks that make up its exterior. There is so much history in this building! The inside was closed at the time I was here so I hope to check it out in the future.

    Stunning!
    Scott F.

    A beautiful church with some incredible history. We visited Saturday night and then came back on Sunday for Mass. There are some pretty astounding photos of the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake. The church was damaged pretty severely, and to see it today, really makes you appreciate what had to be rebuilt to make this beautiful house of worship what it is today.

    It's here!
    Nadine C.

    Thanks to my pal, Eric Robert R. (ERR), in Hawaii, I got the 411 on this historic cathedral! ...California's FIRST Catholic cathedral ! My cousin kept asking if I was sure I wanted to go so far and wouldn't I rather go to a closer church near her house? Well...If you know me, when something is in my head, it's going to happen. .. So, I was lucky to catch a ride from my cousin's husband to the cathedral. It was majestic with the stained glass windows, candles and contemporary, live guitar music. Father encouraged us to meet the people sitting around us. (Single people should come to church! I shook hands with guys from Lebanon, San Francisco, and Kansas!) There's a social hour after 9am mass! Fun! After mass, I walked through Chinatown on Grant Street and got some goodies. .. Wow, so convenient! Later, I caught a Lyft back to my cousin's house. No parking or driving problems! What an honor to celebrate mass in this famous place on Daylight savings time day of Spring Forward!

    Old St Mary’s Cathedral
    Richard S.

    California's first building built expressly to be a cathedral in 1854. It was gutted by 2 major fires, one being the 1906 earthquake. Look at the clock tower on top of the church.

    Ai M.

    A man plays a Chinese instrument next to the church. A woman walked to the chapel then reflected on the stations of the cross. I didn't want to disturb the peace by taking photographs. I like having a place for contemplation and resting my feet as I walk uphill through Chinatown. I sat inside for half an hour until they turned the lights on. It doesn't look like the oldest cathedral in the state. The basin of holy water is a fountain made out of a vase. The bench I was sitting on didn't have a thing to kneel on. The connected Paulist store down Grant is good for cards and figurines. There are photographs showing this building before the hill was paved! You can still hear the cable car from inside.

    Nino R.

    Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, built in 1854, is a California landmark and the first cathedral of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. You may be wondering, "what's the difference between a church and a cathedral?" Well, a cathedral is home to a bishop or archbishop, while a church is home to a pastor or monsignor. It's a decent size and there are plenty of icons throughout the cathedral. I was happy to see a statue of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (first Filipino saint), and I paid homage. I was glad that the church was open for visitors. It may not be as busy as Saint Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, but it's still an important part of Catholic history in the United States. If you're Catholic, then you should make a pilgrimage. If you're not, the doors are still open...

    Old St. Mary's, Photograph by Andi Hatch Photography
    Jacqueline C.

    My husband and I were married at this cathedral in September. It was so lovely! I am Catholic, but my husband was not, and the priest we met with when we signed up to do our ceremony there (no longer there) was very friendly. The church was also very flexible with our attending Marriage Prep outside of the San Francisco Diocese and bringing our own Reverend from outside of the Diocese. The cathedral is the first cathedral in California so it made for a nice historic context even for those who were not as interested in the religion. The soloist, Satoko, was a pleasure to work with in coming up with the music for the ceremony. Her voice was so beautiful, as many of the guests commented. The pianist was also quite good. On the day of the wedding, a couple of people were helping at the church that I did not have the pleasure of speaking to at length -- but they were super friendly and helped everything to go along as smoothly as it did. The cathedral was beautiful inside and really did not need much in the way of decor. See the pictures! Outside of the church is the financial district and Chinatown, which adds to the character of an Old St. Mary's wedding. Highly recommended for a San Francisco Catholic or interfaith wedding! And the best part....wedding bells ringing as we exited the church! Classic!

    It's a historical landmark!
    Teresa N.

    Right at the heart of Chintatown. Beautiful historical landmark with a wonderful, funny priest for your homily at 9am. Free donuts & coffee after mass, but please support their bookstore. Very cute nifty items.

    Stella K.

    I had my wedding at Old St. Mary's in August this year. I'll be honest, it wasn't my first choice of Catholic churches in the City. However, I really believe it was meant to be, and Old St. Mary's kind of chose me in the end. This church is so meaningful because of its history and its people. I asked Father Peter Shea to hold our ceremony for us. My husband is not Catholic and I am, but Father Shea made the whole process simple for the two of us. He is truly one of the most kind, genuine priests I have ever met. Laid back and so funny. We were so happy to work with him. I was worried because the church does not provide a wedding coordinator. The music coordinator Satoko does do the coordinator's jobs on the wedding day, helps with entry of of the bridal party. In the end, the ceremony went very smoothly. The music was fabulous. The pianist did the most absolute perfect version of the wedding march that I had requested. As I walked down the aisle, I heard the music as was just so darn happy. Satoko is an amazing vocalist! Amazing. Side notes - There is a $1500 charge to use the church for your wedding. It includes services of the church priest, cantor and pianist. Other musicians are available for an additional fee. If you're looking for a Catholic church to hold your ceremony, this really is the perfect place. The church isn't too big or too small. It has so much historical value, and the people are a delight to work with.

    Outside of church

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

    We were in the area visiting many places and went here for Saturday afternoon mass. They were very welcoming of visitors.

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    15 years ago

    Great history, lovely church, and they have the chronology of how the church has evolved over the last 150+ years -- worth checking out.

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    Review Highlights - Old St Mary's Cathedral

    Mary's Church was built in 1854 as San Francisco's First Cathedral, and is a California Historical Landmark.

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    Grace Cathedral - Sound Bath

    Grace Cathedral

    4.5(318 reviews)
    0.4 miNob Hill

    Grace Cathedral has always been one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks, but before this, I…read moremostly thought of it as just another tourist attraction. This time, I specifically went at night to see the AURA immersive light show, and it completely changed the way I experienced the place. The cathedral is already beautiful during the day, but once the lights and music begin at night, the entire space feels like a completely different world. The architecture itself is stunning, especially when the projections are cast onto the massive ceilings, arches, and stained glass windows. At times it almost feels unreal. The AURA show is more than just a simple light show -- it feels like the entire cathedral becomes a giant canvas for an immersive art experience. The music, projection mapping, and the scale of the space all blend together beautifully, and there were moments where the atmosphere naturally made everyone quiet down. I honestly didn't go in with extremely high expectations for the immersive show itself, but the live experience ended up being much better than I expected. Because the cathedral is so tall and open, the sound naturally echoes throughout the space, and combined with the slowly shifting lights, it creates this feeling of being completely surrounded by the experience. Some parts didn't even feel like watching a performance anymore -- it felt more like zoning out and letting yourself fully sink into the atmosphere. In a fast-paced city like San Francisco, that kind of feeling actually felt pretty special. Visiting Grace Cathedral at night also feels completely different from visiting during the day. Nob Hill is already quiet and peaceful at night, and even walking up the large staircase outside feels strangely cinematic and dramatic. Once inside, the dark atmosphere somehow feels calming instead of heavy, and people naturally start speaking more softly. Even if you're not religious, I think it's hard not to appreciate the combination of the architecture, lighting, and atmosphere. As for the ticket price, I actually thought it was pretty reasonable. It wasn't cheap, but it also didn't feel overpriced considering the venue itself, the production quality of the show, and the overall immersive experience. I think it's definitely worth experiencing at least once. Especially if you have friends visiting San Francisco, bringing them here at night feels much more memorable than just stopping by during the day for photos. Walking back down Nob Hill afterward really gives you one of those classic "San Francisco" moments.

    Grace Cathedral -- Laser Light Show Experience…read more We attended the 9:30 PM laser light show and it was a truly unique and memorable experience. The cathedral itself is stunning, and the lighting effects against the soaring architecture and stained glass created a beautiful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. We walked to the cathedral, but noticed there is parking nearby and the area seemed easy to access. The staff and volunteers were welcoming and well organized. As we entered, the scent of frankincense filled the space -- used as part of the show -- adding an immersive, ceremonial feeling that complemented the visuals and music beautifully. The show was entertaining, peaceful, and visually captivating. Watching the light projections move across the vaulted ceilings and stone interior made the entire space feel alive. If you're looking for something different in San Francisco -- artistic, calming, and visually impressive -- this is absolutely worth experiencing.

    Photos
    Grace Cathedral - Family photo at one of the Christmas trees beautifully decorated inside.

    Family photo at one of the Christmas trees beautifully decorated inside.

    Grace Cathedral - Sound Bath

    Sound Bath

    Grace Cathedral

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    Canvas SF

    Canvas SF

    5.0(101 reviews)
    3.0 miPresidio

    I've attended Canvas for the past two years and can't recommend it enough! Everyone is very…read morewelcoming and it's an excellent place to build Christian community in a city where connection can be difficult.

    I didn't expect a church to make me consider moving neighborhoods--but Canvas has done exactly…read morethat. Because of this community, I've genuinely thought about moving closer to the Presidio/Marina area just to be more involved. What makes Canvas so special starts with the people. From day one, it was incredibly easy to make friends. Everyone is warm, open, and intentional about connection. It's also one of the most genuinely inclusive spaces I've experienced--people are welcomed without judgment, regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, or life decisions. It never feels political or controversial--just a place where you can show up as you are. The leadership really sets the tone. Jena brings so much warmth, creativity, and a deep love for people into everything she does. Travis is incredibly down-to-earth (tattoo sleeve included), passionate about helping creatives discover faith in an authentic way, and has a perspective that really stands out--he believes church shouldn't be a place that tells people what to think, but a space that helps people think. Together, they've built something that feels both meaningful and approachable. The sermons are thoughtful and actually applicable to everyday life--covering topics like patience, healing, loving others, generosity, building intentional community, and mental health, including anxiety. If you're curious, you can check out past messages here: [https://canvas-sf.com/media/topic](https://canvas-sf.com/media/topic) What also stands out is how committed Canvas is to the broader community. They regularly serve San Francisco in tangible ways--feeding the unhoused, organizing clothing drives for children in the foster care system, and even doing neighborhood clean-ups. There are also so many ways to get involved through growth groups--whether that's Bible study, running, hiking, or even movie groups. It makes forming real friendships feel easy and natural. Canvas isn't just a church--it's a community you actually want to be part of.

    Photos
    Canvas SF - Genuine community, true + deep friends.

    Genuine community, true + deep friends.

    Canvas SF - Front entrance

    Front entrance

    Canvas SF - Women's Group Pickleball & Picnic day!

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    Women's Group Pickleball & Picnic day!

    Epic Church San Francisco - Sunday Morning Worship Service

    Epic Church San Francisco

    4.6(29 reviews)
    1.1 miMission Bay

    Great pastoral service very in and out. just wish they had more seating. Definitely going back…read moreroutinely

    If you want to attend a church to affirm your choices unchallenged, with staff lacking courage to…read moretalk about important issues facing Christians today, EPIC Church SF is your home. If, however, you want a truly caring and bold church leadership unafraid to counsel on the most important issues facing Christians, I'm afraid this isn't what you're looking for. I didn't notice it right away, but over time I grew increasingly weary of the radical leftist politicization and business-oriented approach of Epic's church staff, particularly of lead pastor, Ben Pilgreen. I wrote a thoughtful and detailed PRIVATE letter 3 weeks ago, to which I received no response. In it, I outlined why the deafening silence about the widespread celebration by people in the US of the most public assassination in a generation was extremely problematic; why silence on the Christian genocide in parts of Africa was a miss; why their repeated Marxist takes on the politics of our day was against Christian doctrine (the Bible is rife with political leaders like David, Solomon, Paul, James, etc - while we should render unto Cesar what is Cesar's, the Judeo-Christian tradition is the foundation of Western Civilization. We cannot, as Christians, put our heads in the sand about the increasingly anti-Christian geopolitical climate within which we find ourselves). The lack of any response to my letter is why I decided to take my complaint PUBLIC; I gave ample time for a private response to demonstrate a caring approach to church members like myself and the dozen or so others who walked out in disgust on September 14th (the Sunday after Charlie Kirk's assassination) - not to mention the many others who likely had a similar reaction though remained silent. The staff (particularly lead pastor, Ben Pilgreen) often talks about its biggest tech-founder backers and recent press about its rapid growth. Epic is run more like a business, with a focus on bigger donations and new numbers, than like an actual church demonstrating real concern for Christians. Sure, the first few months will feel good - the kumbaya songs and therapist-like self-affirming feel-good approach - but at the end of the day, we have to contend with scripture and understanding Christian morality. This church will initially make you feel good with the amazing production value of its songs and welcoming community, but as you dig a little deeper into what's being said, and as your commitment to leading a Christian life grows (especially as we grapple with how scripture translates into the 21st century), you will not find the bold leadership needed to take that on in this community. I will not be returning and I would advise friends to find another congregation. Five former members and I have since started a home church, honoring Christianity's earliest church leaders and ourselves, as we seek greater closeness to Christ.

    Photos
    Epic Church San Francisco - Epic is a place to connect with others, grow and be cared for.

    Epic is a place to connect with others, grow and be cared for.

    Epic Church San Francisco - Epic is a place to find home

    Epic is a place to find home

    Epic Church San Francisco - Our production team streams online gathering each Sunday for those who aren't able to attend a service in-person.

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    Our production team streams online gathering each Sunday for those who aren't able to attend a service in-person.

    Reality SF - Indoor

    Reality SF

    4.2(34 reviews)
    3.0 miMission

    Very welcoming, especially for people who want to explore Christianity and learn moreread more

    I feel a strong urge, perhaps nudged by the Spirit, to share my experience with Reality SF,…read moreespecially in light of recent events where Christian pastors in DC were arrested for advocating for Palestine, after being gaslit by Reality SF and its leaders that I was the only person in their entire three thousand people congregation that supported the humanity and dignity of Palestinians. My story with Reality SF is a long one, spanning over 12 years of attendance, from their early days in the Swedish American Music Hall, transitioning to Everett Middle School, and finally to their current residence in a lavish $15 million building. My relationship with the church has been complex, characterized by its lack of welcomeness, but the strong and insightful teachings, attracted me to stay and call it home. Despite never voicing my concerns publicly--unlike the 200 congregants who once left in protest against the leadership--I remained silent and mostly defended the church, until the church's (lack of) response to the Gaza genocide pushed me to the brink, when they have commented on Ukraine and social issues in the past. Reality SF's portrayal of the genocide as a mere 'war' and their silence on the human rights abuses inflicted upon Palestinians led me to question the church as an institution, my faith, and to question God's character and even existence. My efforts to discuss these issues, including some encouragement for my faith, were initially met with a wall of silence. Persistently, I sought to make my voice heard, only to be confronted with defensiveness and outright dismissal. The most disheartening part of my quest for dialogue was trying to engage with Dave Lomas, the head pastor, who, as I learned, 'doesn't do emails' and proved to as difficult to meet with as the Pope. This barrier to communication only compounded my frustrations, leading me to take a hiatus from the church. Yet, in a twist that felt laden with divine intervention, after weeks of abstaining from church services, a sequence of undeniable signs led me back to Reality SF one Sunday morning. Carrying a glimmer of hope that the day's sermon might finally address the suffering in Palestine, I was met with disappointment as a guest speaker took the podium, leaving my expectations unmet. In an extraordinary turn of events, as I was about to leave, disheartened, I spotted Dave Lomas by the exit. In over 600 Sundays, I had never seen him greeting congregants. Unlike the kissing babies and shaking hands type of pastor, I've always respected him in his introversion, which I thought fueled his insightful sermons and considered him a guiding figure in my spiritual journey. This encounter, whether by divine arrangement or sheer coincidence, gave me the courage to approach him and share my concerns directly. While I prefer not to divulge the specifics of our 1:1 conversation, it was dishearteningly marked by significant ignorance and a lack of the compassion and justice Jesus preached. This interaction left me more lost than ever, questioning the foundations of my faith and the leaders who are supposed to embody Christ's teachings. In my quest for clarity, I turned to what my generation does for anything--social media. It was there, that I found the accounts that Dave follows on Instagram--conservative influencers, luxury golf resorts, and luxury watchmakers (think Richard Mille, not even Rolex). This revelation served as a poignant lesson: God often uses the imperfect among us to serve His purpose. I was wrong for putting Dave on a pedestal for his teachings. This reflection brought me to a deeper inquiry: Why had God, through a series of undeniable signs, guided me back to Reality SF that particular Sunday, to a moment of face-to-face encounter with Dave? Initially, it seemed Dave, as the pastor, might have thought he had a divine message for me--"you don't have to agree with everything your church believes" and he encourage me to stay, or, he pointed to the door (it literally was as we were right by the exit). However, upon reflection, perhaps the message was to Dave - to have a more compassionate heart, one that embraces all of God's creation, including Arabs (Muslims and Christians). I hope this somehow gets to him (he's a foodie so I have a better shot of getting to him than by email) and my worldly message is: read works by Ilan Pappe or Richard Becker.

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    Reality SF
    Reality SF
    Reality SF

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    CornerstoneSF - I love this church!

    CornerstoneSF

    4.2(90 reviews)
    2.3 miMission

    Cornerstone is a one of a kind church. The messages always seem to hold a very relevant lesson…read moreregardless of who is speaking. The seating can be a little cramped, it's in an older building, but it's still comfy. A big highlight of this church is it's performances (Spring musical, Christmas Eve candlelight, the comedy improv night etc.). Worth a sunday visit and staying around after and before service. The java is killer. Bagels, toast, donuts, and really delicious coffee. And if you're not into that type of food then there's plenty of local restaurants as well. This is a great spot to go to for very lively worship on sunday mornings. Saturday nights are excellent too! Just check it out, the pastoral staff is very wholesome and welcoming.

    I had a deeply disturbing experience with this church, and I feel a responsibility to share it so…read moreothers can make an informed decision. During my time there, I trusted members with personal information. Over time, I came to believe that this information was discussed behind my back in ways that felt disrespectful and damaging. Instead of direct communication, there seemed to be judgment and private conversations about me, including my financial situation, which felt intrusive and shaming rather than supportive. What concerned me most, however, were statements and situations that felt threatening and deeply unsettling. There were comments about taking control over people's lives and even statements that came across as threats involving my family. At one point, I experienced a situation where a vehicle came near my home and I genuinely feared for my grandfather's safety based on what had been said to me. Whether others interpret that differently or not, it created a real sense of fear and crossed a line that no church should ever approach. This environment felt driven by fear, control, and intimidation rather than care, humility, and truth. I'm sharing this not out of spite, but out of concern for others. A healthy church should build people up, respect boundaries, and communicate directly--not operate in ways that make people feel unsafe or targeted. Please use discernment if you are considering getting involved here.

    Photos
    CornerstoneSF - Graffiti done by Cameron Moberg, Cornerstone Youth Pastor

    Graffiti done by Cameron Moberg, Cornerstone Youth Pastor

    CornerstoneSF
    CornerstoneSF

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    Old St Mary's Cathedral - churches - Updated May 2026

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