Old San Leandro in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Little Brown Church

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2010

1. The Little Brown Church Marker

Inscription. This building was originally the Sunday School Annex of the First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro. Built in 1867 and located on Clarke Street. The main church was moved to Ashland and later torn down. This annex was saved by the Historical Society in 1979, moved to its present location and is used as the Society’s meeting place.

Erected 1980 by San Leandro Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 37° 43.473′ N, 122° 9.503′ W. Marker is in San Leandro, California, in Alameda County. It is in Old San Leandro. Marker is on Clarke Street near West Estudillo Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 384 West Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro CA 94577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Casa Peralta (within shouting distance of this marker); San Leandro Courthouse Site (within shouting distance of this marker); County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); San Leandro – Cherry Festivals (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Daniel & Meta Best Home (within shouting distance of this marker); San Leandro – Industry

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Estudillo Home (about 600 feet away); Historic Best Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Leandro.

More about this marker. Marker is located at the parking area for the Casa Peralta.The Casa Peralta is located on the northeast corner of West Estudillo Avenue and Clarke Street. The parking area is accessible from Clarke Street.

Regarding The Little Brown Church. The First Presbyterian Church was always known as "The Little Brown Church" to its members. Rev. James McKinney Alexander dedicated the church in April, 1867. It was the third church building constructed in San Leandro and is the oldest such structure remaining. The church stood on Clarke Street near W. Joaquin. In 1880, a room 12 x 16 feet was added to the church. This addition was the Sunday School and it is the building that you see today. The sanctuary portion of the building was moved to the Ashland area in 1935. It stood near Fairmont Hospital and was used as a church for the Latin community. In the early 1960's the site was needed for a new freeway, and the original Little Brown Church was

The Little Brown Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2010

2. The Little Brown Church and Marker

Marker is seen to the right of the entrance door.

demolished. The Sunday School building remained behind on Clarke Street. When the Clarke Street lot was sold, this Sunday School Wing was offered to the San Leandro Historical Society, provided that the building be moved. It was placed temporarily on a site on W. Estudillo and then moved to its current home on the back lot of Casa Peralta. Since the wing is all that remains of the original church, this portion is fondly known today as "The Little Brown Church." The redwood building seats about 50 people, its antique door and four stained glass windows are original. It is used by the San Leandro Historical Society as a meeting place.
Source: http://www.sanleandrobytes.com/archives/004371.html

Plaque Mounted to the Left of the Entrance Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2010

3. Plaque Mounted to the Left of the Entrance Door

The San Leandro Civic Projects Committee,Inc. provided generous financial help in moving the 'Little Brown Church' to the Casa Peralta Site.July, 1980

The Little Brown Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2010

4. The Little Brown Church

First Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By San Leandro Centennial-Bicentennial Card-Casa Peralta Museum, circa 1928

5. First Presbyterian Church

San Leansdro's First Presbyterian Church. One of Alameda County's oldest, built in 1867 at corner of West Joaquin and Clarke Streets. Picture taken 1928. In front is Rev. Monroe Drew.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,312 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 12, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on January 17, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.