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1970
- Founding pastor Rev. Howard Wells begins prayer meetings in “upper
room” at Jackson’s Bar & Grill in North Beach.
- April 26: MCCSF chartered as second church of what will become MCC
Churches. Membership consists of raising your hand in service.
- Services move to California Hall on Polk Street; 800 attend service
with MCC Founder Rev. Troy Perry.
- First “Board of Deacons” ordained.
- Church has radio program, “The Gay Cross”.
1971
- Office/community center opens at 1760 Market Street. Services move
to St. Aiden’s Church in Diamond Heights.
- Rev. Howard Wells resigns; Rev. Jim Sandmire elected pastor.
1972
- Offices move to 6th and Howard; services to Stewart Memorial Presbyterian
Church at 23rd and Guerrero.
- Use of inclusive language begun, and women’s participation
encouraged.
1973
- Arsonists burn church; 500 community members join public processional
to new place of worship: Mission Presbyterian Church (23rd and Capp).
First building fund started.
- Bylaws changed: Deacons no longer ordained, appointed to 3-year terms.
1974
- MCCSF hosts UFMCC General Conference.
1975
- Rev. Sandmire resigns, becomes pastor of MCC LA. Rev. John Barbone
becomes third pastor. Membership declines.
- Prison ministry started at Atascadero and Vacaville.
1976
- Rev. Barbone resigns. Rev. Charles Larsen becomes MCCSF’s fourth
pastor.
1977
- MCCSF fights Briggs Initiative (would have prohibited lesbians and gays
from teaching in state schools).
1978
- Rev. Larsen resigns.
- Congregation carries out building search and massive fundraising
drive.
1979
- Rev. Jim Dykes becomes fifth pastor.
- 150 Eureka Street purchased from Pentecostal Church.
1980
- MCCSF helps with Cuban refugee resettlement.
- Golden Gate MCC established by Rev. Jim Sandmire and some members
and former members of MCCSF.
1981
- Rev. Jim Dykes resigns, Rev. Michael England becomes sixth pastor.
1982
- Church starts its first children’s program.
1983
- First member (Jackie—last name unknown) dies of AIDS.
- AIDS groups allowed to use building rent-free: Many AIDS/HIV groups
have beginnings at MCCSF (S.F. AIDS Foundation, ACT-UP/SF and others).
1984
- First mortgage on 150 Eureka is paid off.
1985
- Rev. Michael England resigns. Lay team of Worship Coordinators (Linton
Stables, Coni Staff, Roger Tinsman) lead congregation during search
for new pastor.
- Church shares its space with Congregation Ahavat Shalom, a lesbian
and gay Jewish congregation
1986
- Rev. Jim Mitulski becomes seventh pastor.
- Bob Crocker is hired as Director of Music.
- HIV ministries become major focus.
- Second mortgage on 150 Eureka is paid off, and building becomes our
own.
1987
- Fundraising drive culminates in purchase of pipe organ.
1988
- 150 Eureka becomes a community center.
- Pillars Club established to safeguard MCCSF ministries.
- Two worship services added; Rev. Jack St. John creates Worship and
Praise Team.
- Church doubles in size.
1989
- National Council of Churches visits MCCSF to study AIDS.
- Staff member Lynne Griffs’ claims of being gay-bashed spark
community protests; she is later shown to have inflicted her own injuries.
- Rev. Jim Glyer hired as Assistant Pastor for Congregational Care.
1990
- MCCSF produces its hymnal, which will be used in churches throughout
the denomination.
- Church is firebombed, causing damage in sanctuary and smoke damage
throughout building.
- Church membership passes 300.
1991
- Rev. Sharna Sutherin becomes Associate Pastor.
- Church membership exceeds 400.
1993
- Extensive building renovations are done, making it accessible to
disabled people.
- Les Bates Social Hall, Chapel and Wherry Conference Room dedicated.
- First Saints Alive Awards honor outstanding members of the community.
- Stained glass window installed.
- Dignity, a gay and lesbian Catholic congregation, meets at MCCSF
after their building is burned.
- MCCSF rents a building on 18th Street for use as a community center.
1994
- Rev. Sharna Sutherin called to Golden Gate MCC.
- Rev. Maggie Tanis hired as Associate Pastor.
- ALS interpretation at worship services.
1995
- MCCSF celebrates 25th anniversary.
- Rev. Mitulski takes six month sabbatical to accept fellowship at
Harvard; Linton Stables acts as Executive Director in his absence.
- Rev. Maggie Tanis introduces Spiritual Journey Circles.
- Fourth weekly worship service is added on Wednesday evenings.
- Over $140,000 raised to purchase apartment building next to church.
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“House of Prayer for All People” window celebrating world religions
commissioned and installed.
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