Glide Memorial United Methodist Church: A Beacon of Hope in San Francisco

Overview

Established in 1930, Glide Memorial United Methodist Church stands as a testament to inclusivity and progressive values in San Francisco. In the 1960s, under the leadership of Pastor Cecil Williams, the church became renowned for its support of the LGBTQ+ community, performing same-sex marriages during a time when such acts were groundbreaking. Named after founding member Lizzie Glide, who significantly contributed to its creation as a tribute to her late husband, H.L. Glide, the church has garnered admiration from influential figures like Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey for its roll in societal change. Glide Memorial is not only a place of worship but also actively engages in community service, offering clinics, soup kitchens, childcare programs, shelters, after-school activities, and HIV testing services. The famed Glide Ensemble, comprised of 100 talented vocalists, performs every Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM, captivating audiences with their rich gospel music alongside the Change Band. Visitors are drawn to this historic site to witness its revolutionary contributions towards equality and to experience the uplifting Sunday performances.

Photo of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
Photo of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
Photo of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
Opening hours
  • Sunday 08:00 - 14:30
  • Monday 08:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 08:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 08:00 - 14:30

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • Address330 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
  • Phone+1 415-674-6000

Reviews

Giovanni Rossi
Italy
5
Glide Memorial is a must-visit for Sunday Service, regardless of your faith. Everyone is accepted here, and visitors receive a warm welcome. You can come in casual attire or dress up as you wish; the hospitality remains the same. Their mission revolves around radical inclusivity, unconditional love, and supporting the community year-round. They provide hot meals to the homeless three times daily, assist with housing, and even offer addiction support, writing workshops, and more. Attending the 9 AM or 11 AM service will surely uplift your spirit. The choir and live band will have you joyfully clapping and dancing, while the messages from pastors and community leaders provide insightful perspectives on life. Having faced religious trauma in my past, I’m grateful to have found this church; it has become my family. Here, I learned that I am deserving of love, happiness, and prosperity, just like everyone else! 🙏💜🕊
Carlos Gomez
Spain
5
Glide Church is truly remarkable. Its radical inclusiveness makes every visitor feel welcome from the moment you step inside. The warm greeting at the entrance sets the tone for a fantastic experience. The worship service is exceptional, featuring wonderful music, impactful preaching, and heartfelt prayers. If you’ve been wounded by a religious community, or if you seek a place to find spiritual healing and belonging, this church is the perfect place for you.
Femi Johnson
Nigeria
1
I attended the Church Service but was disappointed as the service didn’t include preaching, prayer, or scripture reading during my hour there—just random songs, poems, and speeches without any mention of Jesus Christ. While they do provide food to help people, I believe the fundamental elements of a church service are important. I gave one star because they were welcoming to everyone.
Astra Wilson
USA
5
While passing Glide this morning, I observed staff enthusiastically serving breakfast, maintaining cleanliness, and providing helpful information to passersby. The service seemed seamless to an outsider, although this is based purely on my observation, as I was not a client that day.
Rick Carter
USA
5
If you're looking to support a church that feeds the homeless, this is the place to donate. Glide Memorial serves hundreds of homeless individuals with good, decent meals, allowing them to come back for seconds if they're still hungry. This church does important work—while others may seek free meals and housing, Glide is there for anyone in need. Please consider donating to Glide Memorial Church to help feed our homeless community; I also support other churches that provide assistance, and you can find my reviews about them.