Parr, Fred D.

Fred D. Parr, 1885-1964, a native Californian and Methodist layman, was successful in ship building and port trade on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay. Involved in church work, he served on charitable boards and commissions. In 1938, Parr became president of the Temple of Religion Committee coordinating all efforts to include the Temple and Tower in the 1939 Golden Gate International Exhibition. Work included planning and constructing the building, coordinating exhibits and art work, and setting up programs and events throughout the Exhibition. Aurelia Henry Reinhardt, President of Mills College, gave speeches during the Exhibition. The artist, Franz W. Bergmann, painted the religion themed murals on the buildings.