Third Baptist Church

Third Baptist Church is a historic red brick building with arched windows and a distinctive bell tower located on McAllister Street in the Fillmore District. The structure retains its original 19th-century architecture with solid masonry walls and a traditional church interior layout.

The church was founded in 1852 and was the first African American Baptist congregation west of the Rocky Mountains during the California Gold Rush. It played a crucial role in shaping the early Black community on the West Coast.

The congregation served as a center for the African American community in the Fillmore District and continues to shape the spiritual and social life of the neighborhood today. It created spaces for gathering and connection that extended far beyond Sunday worship.

The building is located at an easily accessible address in the Fillmore District with public transportation nearby. Visitors should dress appropriately and follow the guidelines that apply to all guests entering the space.

The congregation has a history of international aid, including support for refugees and medical assistance projects in Africa. Such commitment shows how the church understood its responsibility extending beyond the local community.