 FIRST
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
OF SAN FRANCISCO |
| FIRST
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
OF SAN FRANCISCO |
JUBILEE CELEBRATION -- REMEMBRANCES
The members of the First Congregational Church invite you to learn
about our past with these remembrances.
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Dr. William E. McCormack
Dr. McCormack was the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church
from 1949-1959. His wife Faith was deeply involved in activities
of the church, as were their 3 sons. I first attended this church
in 1951 and became a member in 1952, so had the privilege of Dr. McCormack's
ministry for several years, and the opportunity of taking part in many
activities. Being Office Secretary a portion of this time gave me
added insight of the church. I met Dr. Stanley North, and Dr. Richard
C. Norberg, who was Conference Minister, Minister at Congregational Church,
San Mateo, and our Interim Minister in the late 1980's. Volunteer
members came to the office each week to assist with the Bulletin and a
day a month to prepare the Columns for mailing. Some of the Associate
and Assistant Ministers were Rev. Joseph Redinger, Rev. George Macauley,
Dr. Gail Cleland, and Rev. Herbert Gans. Gladys Stahl was the Administrative
Secretary who devoted endless hours to the church, and Abe Bartie was our
faithful Custodian.
It was during this period of time that contributions from members brought about the refurbishing and decorating of several rooms that were named for the contributors - hence the Geis Room given by George and Pearl Geis, the Dettner Room by Ernest Dettner, the Gilbert Room by Edna Gilbert, the Jackson Room by L.R. Jackson, the Nursery (now the Dadian Room), and the addition of Bradford Chapel, a gift given by Doris Sidebottom in memory of her parents, Wallace and Agnes Bradford. A Sunday evening service was held in the Chapel for several years, and many weddings were performed there. A new ceiling was added in Plymouth Hall, and the present flooring in the Hall was also laid. I remember seeing Dr. McCormack joining members of the church in installing this square by square. Coffee Hour Fellowship was held in Plymouth Hall at that time. Upon arrival in 1949 Dr. McCormack embarked on improvement in the sanctuary.
There were many active groups, and I first joined the Young Adult Fellowship. We had meetings Sunday evenings, social gatherings including dances in Plymouth Hall, some weekends in Tuolume, where a former member was teaching. There were often visitors at the Sunday meeting and program, and refreshments were served with a free will offering taken. On one occasion a visitor asked if he could write a check for the offering. The check was for $1.00, and would you believe the check bounced. A business Girl's Group was added, and other groups were the Fortnighters for seniors, 50/50 for young married, and the Men's Club. There were a number of active Circles - afternoon and evening. The Sewing Group each Wednesday and Mary Moore was at the helm for some of the time. Clothes were made at that time for needy children, and style shows were held prior to giving same.
Dr. W. Leonard Beck was Director of Music, and organist for 25 years, and directed the Messiah performance at our church for several years. Members of other church choirs, and a portion of the San Francisco Symphony joined our choir. The church was filled.
Dr. McCormack went on to a ministry in Pasadena, and then founded Skyline Community Church in the Oakland hills, and following his ministry there accepted interim ministries until his retirement in 1969. We were fortunate to have had Dr. "Mac". Dr. & Mrs. McCormack passed away in 1997.
Dr. Harold Janes
Much loved minister from 1962 to 1965. With his wife, Olive,
he called on all members of the church. He introduced the "Jordan
Festival" with special lectures to recognize the baptism of Jesus.
The members and friends of the church were much saddened by his sudden
fatal stroke.
James Clark Brown
James Clark Brown had served as an aid in Congress and had many political
contacts. While he was minister, several United States Senators spoke
at the church. Among them were Senator Proxmire, Senator Mark Hatfield,
and Senator Cranston. He was also recognized in San Francisco serving
on the Mayor's Committee for the Aging. Mayor Alioto and Senator,
then Mayor, Feinstein participated in our worship services. Mayor
Feinstein declared "James Brown Day" when Jim Brown left our church for
Carmel Valley.
James Clark Brown
We were blessed by have the Rev. James Clark Brown as Senior Minister
from April 1966 to August 1980, and his dear wife LaVerna who entered into
many activities and assisted with music.
Rev. Brown was born in Quinton, Oklahoma and grew up there during the
Great Depression. His many odd jobs included working at a radio station
and delivering newspapers. He graduated from Phillips University
in Enid, Oklahoma, and went on to Yale Divinity School where he won awards
for preaching excellence. He lent his strong ministerial voice to
the cause of civil rights during 50 years in the pulpit. He marched
with Martin Luther King in the 1960's, and later spoke out for gay rights
in the 60's and 70's. He also devoted time to bettering the lives
of the young and aged, and in the 1960's was a delegate to the White House
Conference on Refugees from Eastern Europe. He served churches in
New Haven, Connecticut, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC prior to coming
to San Francisco. During the 70's he worked with the Commission on
Aging in San Francisco, and helped establish the St. Francis Meal Program
for the elderly (they still gather in Plymouth Hall Monday through Friday).
He opened this church to many self-help groups and set up a Youth Coffeehouse
featuring music and comedy, where
comedian Robin Williams got his start. His community service
won him a Mayoral commendation, and then Mayor Dianne Feinstein declared
August 3, 1980, Rev. James Clark Brown Day.
Following his ministry here, Rev. Brown served as pastor of the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula in Carmel Valley for 8 years, and moved to Santa Rosa in 1989. The Browns settled in Oakmont, but Jim Brown continued to preach serving as Interim Minister of churches in Stockton, San Rafael, and Hawaii, and Guest Minister at churches in Sonoma County and at our church.
Among his many talents we the writing of poetry, some of which he eloquently
shared in his sermons. Included is one of his many meaningful poems.
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Come Before Winter "Come before winter." are words old and wise
For life's voyage is brief, uncertain,
Ships meant to explore life's oceans,
Life's saddest sight is not the scene
No, life's saddest sight is of souls
Still move the seasons swiftly,
Rev. James Clark Brown
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Our church has provided volunteers and vigorous financial support of the San Francisco Night Ministry, whose ministers walk the streets of our city each night from 10:00pm to 4:00am, meeting the widest range of human need. The Rev. Mr. Brown has given community leadership ecumenically within the Jewish Community Relations Council, The San Francisco Council of Churches, the Ecumenical Peace Council, and since November 1978, has served as President of the San Francisco Commission on the Aging.
The Rev. Mr. Brown suggested, some years ago, our church motto: "A Church With a Heart in the Heart of the City." Together, we have endeavored to justify that description of our ministry.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to "Brother Jim".
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First
Congregational Church of San Francisco
Last Update: April 19, 2008