To close out the year, we've asked our local neighborhood editors to choose their favorite stories from the past year, and to explain why they loved them so.
Today, we hear from local editor Nuala:
Every now and again as a reporter, you start investigating what might seem like a boring lead, and end up uncovering something amazing. This was the case with Redemption Church and the Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ. Construction and a new paint job spurred my interest in 1660 McAllister, but I ended up discovering a story about how two totally different San Francisco groups—a tech-focused, young and largely white congregation, and a Pentecostal African-American church—could find friendship and collaboration in the same space.
I chatted with both Dan Birch from Redemption and Pastor Scott from Jerusalem Church, the latter of whom gave me one of my favorite quotes I got all year: "What black guy throws a white guy who claims to be something a key to his church?" And yet that's really where this whole story begins—with a leap of faith.
This is truly a modern-day love story for San Francisco, and I hope to see this model replicated in other areas of the city.
Below is an excerpt from the original story, published on February 13th, 2015.
The former sunny yellow facade of Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ at 1660 McAllister St. has undergone a transformation. In the past year, the building has been painted a rich brown, and the sign has been removed. People still come and go, but for any curious onlooker, it's unclear what the building is being used for.
In fact, the church is still in operation there, but in an unorthodox arrangement, it's picked up another congregation to share its space. Now, Redemption Church and Jerusalem Church of God in Christ share the same building, but hold separate services for their respective—and very different—communities ...
Continue reading one of Nuala's favorite stories of 2015, "Under One Roof: A Modern San Francisco Church Story."
