Regular schedule
All year · St Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco
- Monday to Friday -
- Saturdays -
- Sundays & Holy Days 10:00 am – Holy Eucharist with choir
St Luke's Episcopal
Church in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
Church Details
1755 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
Accessible
Parking available
Familys
St Luke's Episcopal Church · Mass Times
Summer schedule
All year – same as regular schedule
- Monday to Friday -
- Saturdays & Vigils -
- Sundays & Holy Days 10:00 am – Holy Eucharist with choir
St Luke's Episcopal Church
How to Get There
History of Church
St Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco (California)
St Luke's Episcopal Church: general information
St Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco is a welcoming Christian community located at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Clay Street, right in the heart of the city. The parish belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of California and is known for its inclusive atmosphere, strong sense of community and outstanding sacred music. The church invites people of all backgrounds to worship, pray, serve and grow in faith together.
On Sundays and throughout the week, St Luke's Episcopal Church offers Holy Eucharist, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, pastoral care and Christian formation for children, youth and adults. Many visitors who search online for Episcopal communities such as Grace St Luke's Episcopal Church in the United States also discover St Luke’s in San Francisco as a vibrant urban parish with graceful liturgy, thoughtful preaching and a strong musical tradition.
History and architecture of St Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco
St Luke's Episcopal Church is one of the older parishes in the Diocese of California, with roots going back to the 19th century. The parish, founded in the late 1800s, originally worshipped at a different location before moving to its present site on Clay Street in the early 20th century. Over time, the congregation grew as the neighbourhood around Van Ness Avenue developed into a busy urban corridor.
The current building combines a traditional church layout with notable examples of stained-glass art. The altar window of the Resurrection, installed in 1911, and the stained-glass windows on the side walls depict Biblical scenes, saints and the Virgin Mary. Several windows, commissioned in 1919, commemorate the parish’s involvement in World War I relief. These features make the interior of St Luke’s a space where architecture, history and prayer come together in a coherent whole.
Architectural and devotional features
- Central nave and chancel: a classic Episcopal worship space with altar, pulpit and choir area designed for liturgical celebrations and choral music.
- Stained-glass windows: historic windows illustrating Resurrection themes, saints and Biblical narratives, including memorial windows from the early 20th century.
- Organ and music ministry: a strong musical tradition with choir and organ leading hymns, anthems and special choral services throughout the year.
- Parish hall and meeting rooms: spaces for coffee hour, classes, community groups and outreach activities after worship and during the week.
Worship, schedule and activities
The worship life of St Luke's Episcopal Church centres on the Holy Eucharist, celebrated in accordance with the Episcopal tradition. The parish typically offers Sunday services in the morning, often followed by fellowship in the parish hall, and additional services or gatherings on special days and seasons.
Typical worship pattern (guideline)
- Sunday morning: one or more celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, with scripture readings, sermon, prayers and congregational singing, often accompanied by choir and organ.
- Special seasons: extra services for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week and Easter, as well as feast days and occasional choral services.
- Weekday events: study groups, choir rehearsals, community meetings and outreach activities that support the parish’s mission in the city.
Recommendation: before planning your visit, it is best to check the current worship schedule on the official St Luke's San Francisco website or contact the parish office. Times and formats may vary during holidays, special events or in response to pastoral needs.
How to get to St Luke's Episcopal Church
St Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco is located at 1755 Clay Street (@ Van Ness Avenue), San Francisco, CA 94109. The church stands in the Nob Hill / Van Ness Avenue area, close to public transport lines, shops and residential buildings, making it relatively easy to reach from many parts of the city.
Access, parking and surroundings
- By public transport: several bus lines run along Van Ness Avenue and nearby streets, with stops within walking distance of the church.
- By car: on-street parking is available around Clay Street and adjacent streets, and there are nearby parking garages for Sunday worship and special events.
- Before and after worship: many parishioners enjoy the surrounding neighbourhood with its cafés, restaurants and urban views, similar to visitors who appreciate the city setting of Grace St Luke's Episcopal Church in Memphis or other urban Episcopal parishes.
Parish life and community at St Luke's Episcopal Church
St Luke's Episcopal Church is widely described as a welcoming, inclusive congregation with a strong sense of community and family. The parish places emphasis on hospitality, pastoral care, Christian formation and outreach, inviting newcomers and long-time members alike to participate in the life of the church.
Parish ministries often include Christian education, youth and children’s programmes, music ministry, social outreach and fellowship events. In this way, St Luke’s shares many characteristics with other active Episcopal parishes such as Grace St Luke's Episcopal Church: a balance of traditional liturgy, strong music and an ongoing commitment to serving the wider community.
Areas of ministry and involvement
- Worship and liturgy: Sunday Eucharist and special services throughout the liturgical year, with graceful liturgy and thoughtful preaching.
- Music and arts: choir, organ and occasional concerts or special musical offerings that support both worship and community life.
- Formation and education: opportunities for Bible study, confirmation preparation, children’s and youth formation, and adult discussion groups.
- Outreach and service: partnerships and projects that support vulnerable neighbours in San Francisco through practical assistance and advocacy.
Frequently asked questions about St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco
Where is St. Luke's Episcopal Church located?
St. Luke's Episcopal Church is located at 1755 Clay Street, at the corner of Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, California 94109. The entrance to the nave faces Van Ness, while access to the parish hall and office is via Clay Street. The church is situated in an easily accessible central area of the city.
What is the worship style at St. Luke's Episcopal Church?
Worship at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco follows the Episcopal liturgical tradition, with Holy Eucharist, scripture readings, sermon, prayers and congregational singing. Services are known for graceful liturgy, good preaching and excellent music, in a style comparable to many well-known Episcopal parishes in the United States, including communities such as Grace St Luke's Episcopal Church.
Is St. Luke's Episcopal Church family-friendly and inclusive?
Yes. St. Luke's Episcopal Church is frequently described as a family-friendly, inclusive congregation that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. Children, youth, adults and seniors are invited to participate fully in worship and parish life, and newcomers often comment on the warm, hospitable atmosphere of the community.
How can I find current service times and events?
The best way to find current worship times and parish events at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco is to visit the official parish website, sign up for the church’s e-news or contact the parish office by phone or email. As with other active Episcopal parishes such as Grace St Luke's Episcopal Church, schedules for services, concerts and special events can vary throughout the year, so checking the latest information is always recommended.
In a few lines:
- Name: St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco
- City: San Francisco (California) · corner of Van Ness Avenue and Clay Street
- Role: Episcopal parish church with inclusive community, Holy Eucharist, formation and outreach
- Architecture: traditional nave with notable stained-glass windows, chancel, organ and choir space
- Worship and schedule: Sunday Eucharist and seasonal services – always confirm current times on the parish website or with the church office