During the 1906 San Francisco earthquake the church was completely destroyed . The foundation and parts of the walls were the only portions of the building that still stood . Since many were shaken up and were in despair , many of the parishioners left the church . In the meantime , masses were held in the sandlots on Folsom Street between 3rd and 4th streets . They also built a permanent shelter called Tir-Na-Nong which would be later called St. Patrick 's shelter . Those who remained constructed a new church , similar to the old church . It was desired for it to be the church for the Irish in the West Coast
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
St. Patrick's Catholic Church, San Francisco