A Brief History of First OPC
First Orthodox Presbyterian Church of San Francisco began as an independent congregation, described in the recollections of the church as being “out of the old Westminster church.” The congregation initially met in a brown Victorian building on Turk Street, just uphill from Divisadero, with a distinctive neon cross in front. The building still stands today and is occupied by another congregation. In 1941, the church became part of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
One notable member of the early congregation was John McClaren, remembered for his connection with Golden Gate Park. He would sometimes attend worship wearing his kilt. When he died, his funeral sermon was preached by our own Rev. Atwell.
Another Presbyterian congregation was meeting on Kensington Road under the ministry of Rev. Brown, a pastor who desired to align his congregation with the OPC. The Turk Street congregation and the Kensington Road Bible Presbyterian Church eventually joined together and purchased the property at 1350 Lawton Street, apparently in the early 1960s. The exact date is recorded in the church's historical minutes.
The property itself had an interesting history. What is now the manse was formerly an Orthodox synagogue. The dining room served as a place of worship for the women, who worshiped separately from the men. What is now our church building was originally a parking garage.
At the time of the move to Lawton Street, Pastor Elliott was serving as pastor of First OPC. He later left to serve the Garden Grove OPC in Southern California. Rev. Brown had previously left for North Dakota in the late 1950s.
The pastors who followed were, in order, Sal Solis, Bob Newsom, Al Stever, Pastor Abbott, and Pastor Charles McIlhenny, who served the congregation for approximately 32 years. Following a vacancy of about five years while the congregation searched for a pastor, the pulpit was filled by Pastor Glenn Ferrell in 2012. Pastor Ferrell retired in 2021.
In 2025, the congregation called Vince Lam, who was ordained and installed as pastor on Reformation Day, October 31, 2025.
About Us
We believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice, faithfully summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.
First OPC of San Francisco is a congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), under the oversight of the Presbytery of Northern California and Nevada. Since 1941, we have joyfully served Christ in the city, seeking to share the gospel and build up His people.
Our worship is simple, reverent, and deeply rooted in God's Word. The preaching of Christ from the Scriptures stands at the center of our worship and ministry, for God builds His church through the faithful proclamation of His Word.
Following the historic practice of the church, we sing the Psalms a cappella, lifting our voices together without musical instruments. In a culture filled with screens, noise, and entertainment, we find deep spiritual refreshment in singing the very songs God has given His people in Scripture. Whether you are an experienced singer or have never sung in public, there is a place for your voice in our congregation.
We also observe the Christian Sabbath as a day set apart for worship, rest, and works of mercy (WCF 20.8). Between our morning and afternoon worship services, we gather for a fellowship meal, enjoying the blessing of Christian fellowship as we share life together.
We invite all who are seeking to know Christ to join us in worship, fellowship, and service. These convictions shape our worship, our life together, and our witness to the world. We would be delighted to welcome you as our guest.