The Ocean Avenue Presbyterian Church formed in 1920 when two San Francisco Presbyterian congregations united, reusing materials from their respective churches to build the community-focused Neighborhood House in San Francisco’s Excelsior district. For the new sanctuary facing Ocean Avenue, the congregation commissioned Julia Morgan to design the Arts and Crafts structure in 1922. Morgan was the first licensed female architect in California and designed over 700 buildings during her career, including the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. OAPC’s simple design features diagonally leaded milk-glass windows and exposed wood beams, typical of Morgan’s frequent use of redwood and cedar in her designs. OAPC has stayed true to its mission spirit, serving families from a wide range of nationalities and economic backgrounds. 

The Neighborhood House has been used as a center for community service in Excelsior for over a century. Situated in a neighborhood with very few community buildings, OAPC offers space to Scout troops, recreation leagues, and various civic and cultural groups. The congregation rents office and event space at below-market rates to local nonprofits like the Moving Arts Academy of Dance, Excelsior Action Group, and Mission Bay Community Church. Over the last three years, OAPC has worked in partnership with nonprofit groups and health care providers to revive the Excelsior Community Health Fair. 

A $125,000 National Fund grant with $125,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will support exterior stucco repairs, flooring restoration, and sewer upgrades.

Photo by David Huang