Swedenborgian Church

The Swedenborgian Church is an Arts and Crafts structure in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood, located at 2107 Lyon Street, featuring thick walls of varied colored brick, substantial timber framing, and handcrafted oak doors with iron hardware. The complex includes a main sanctuary along with connected spaces that form a unified worship environment.

The structure was built in 1895 under Reverend Joseph Worcester's leadership, with architects A.C. Schweinfurth, A. Page Brown, and Bernard Maybeck collaborating on the design. This combined effort by local designers made it one of California's earliest buildings to fully embrace Arts and Crafts principles.

The interior showcases madrone wood beams and Douglas fir wainscoting that reflect the Arts and Crafts movement's embrace of natural materials and honest construction. This approach to building materials creates a warm, handcrafted feeling that visitors can sense throughout the space.

Visitors can explore the building on Sundays or join guided tours led by knowledgeable staff members who explain the architecture and history. It helps to check ahead about visit times available outside of regular services.

The building received National Historic Landmark status in 2004, recognition that places it among California's most significant examples of pure Arts and Crafts architecture. This designation highlights its role as a model for the craft-focused design movement.

Location: San Francisco

GPS coordinates: 37.79042,-122.44623

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44