[1] St. John's was first located on Post Street near Mason at the former St. James Episcopal Church.

Dr. William Anderson Scott, the founder of San Francisco Theological Seminary, served as the first pastor from May 1870 until 1885.

Nevertheless, St. John's moved again in 1902, this time to the present site in the Richmond district, with financial help from Arthur W.

The first service was held on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1906, three days before the great San Francisco earthquake.

Damage from the quake was not repaired until a year later; in the meantime, services were held in members' homes.