First Unitarian Church, San Jose

The First Unitarian Church of San Jose, located on North Third Street across from Saint James Park, stands as a significant architectural and historical landmark in downtown San Jose, California. Designed by architect George Page-also known for the Hayes Mansion-the church was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Its distinctive façade features a triple-arched stained glass window, multiple domes and cupolas, and a blend of round and square towers, drawing inspiration from the Unitarian churches of Transylvania, as noted by local historian Linda Larson Boston.

The church's congregation dates back to 1865 when the first Unitarian service in San Jose was held at City Hall with around 100 people in attendance. Among its early supporters were Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Watkins of Santa Clara, activists involved in the women’s suffrage movement and the U.S. Sanitary Commission-the precursor to the Red Cross. They invited Rev. Charles Gordon Ames, who, influenced by his travels through the post-Civil War South, emphasized themes of freedom and human dignity in his sermons. These values have remained central to the church’s mission, often putting it at the forefront of progressive causes, even when unpopular.

The church building itself was initiated in 1888, with the cornerstone laid in 1891, and has since become a fixture of the community. It is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Historical Landmarks Register.

Today, the First Unitarian Church is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and People Acting in Community Together (PACT). In 2016, it celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a long-standing commitment to liberal faith, social justice, and community engagement in San Jose.