Pacifica in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Little Brown Church

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 27, 2013

1. The Little Brown Church Marker

Inscription. The Little Brown Church, built by Presbyterians in 1910, served the growing community attracted by the Ocean Shore Railroad.
During World War II, it broadened to become a Red Cross center, well-baby clinic, and teen center. The Reverend Herschel Harkins, pastor from 1943 to 1965, became such a beloved leader that Pacifica named its municipal pier in his honor. In 1983, the church changed function to become the police headquarters, and 2003, the Pacifica Historical Society took charge. Besides a museum, the Little Brown Church is again a community gathering place.

Erected 2012 by E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Chapter #1.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 37° 38.085′ N, 122° 29.412′ W. Marker is in Pacifica, California, in San Mateo County. It is at the intersection of Francisco Boulevard and Salada Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Francisco Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1850 Francisco Boulevard, Pacifica CA 94044, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rev. Wojciech Adalbert Gluszek (approx. half a mile away);

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Mori's Point Inn (approx. one mile away); The Enduring Aramai (approx. one mile away); Charles Gust 1888-1969 (approx. 1.8 miles away); Discovery of San Francisco Bay (approx. 2½ miles away); Captain Don Gaspar de Portolà (approx. 2.6 miles away); Joe Cavalli – Historical Site (approx. 3.3 miles away); Molloy’s Springs (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pacifica.

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

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 27, 2013

2. The Little Brown Church and Marker

The marker is mounted on a concrete base and is visible to the left of the entrance walkway.

The Little Brown Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 27, 2013

3. The Little Brown Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2013, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,260 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2013, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.