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The Presidio and Chapel History
Built in 1931, the Chapel is an interfaith sanctuary where thousands of couples have said their vows. Today its use is no longer restricted to military personnel. As part of a National Park, all are welcome. Clergy from various religious traditions are available to work with you in planning your ceremony and officiating. As the National Park Service took over stewardship of the former base in 1994, “swords to plowshares” became its mission. Six months after the Army vacated the Main Post Chapel in 1995, the Interfaith Center was invited in to steward the facility. The following year the Presidio Trust was established to manage the buildings in the new park with a Congressional mandate to make the park financially self-sustaining by the year 2013. We congratulate the Park Service and the Trust on their faithful efforts toward these goals. The Chapel is cared for and operated by the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, a nonprofit organization devoted to interfaith dialogue, collaboration, education, friendship and service. More on Chapel history, its windows, mural, art, and activities are available on the Center’s website, www.interfaith-presidio.org. The Presidio Visitors Center, currently housed in the Officers Club, has books and information on Presidio history, and the Chapel has maps and brochures on Chapel history and activities. Come to the Chapel and we can show you this beautiful space then direct you to the Visitors Center and other wonderful places in the park! We are Open for Viewing!Mondays through Thursdays 10 am to 2 pm and Sundays 10 am to 1 pm. Contact Sandi at the Chapel office (415) 561-3930 or at sandi@interfaith-presidio.org for more information, to make a special appointment, or to schedule an event. _________________________________________________________________________________
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For centuries the Presidio has been sacred ground to the Ohlone Indians. Since 1776 it has served as a military post, first for Spain, then Mexico, and finally the United States, which made it the home of the U.S. 6th Army. In 1994, the base was decommissioned and the Presidio was turned over to the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the most beautiful parks in the world. The sweeping views from the steps of the Chapel include the San Francisco Bay and downtown San Francisco.