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I
PILGRIMS AND PIONEERS
The most admirable attribute of the spirit of brotherhood seems to be that it reaches its greatest ascendancy, its highest inspiration during times of sorrows and tribulations. If difficult and perilous conditions are propitious for the development of great moral strength, then the year 1943 provided such an environment. The entire world was involved in a devastating war and the outcome was still a matter of uncertainty. The forces of hatred and bigotry were rampant even in the United States of America, the Arsenal of Democracy. Darkness was upon the land, but a small band of dedicated men and women, a precious few, decided to light a candle rather than curse the darkness. That candle was the idea that men, regardless of race or nationality, could "walk together as Christian brethren". That candle, ignited in the oppressive gloom of World War II was South Berkeley Community.
Who were the intrepid and inspired men and women venturing to take such a bold stride forward? As in all events in human history there are always a great number of individuals who make valuable contributions to a cause. It is impossible to chronicle every name, every occurrence, but usually it is possible to find some individuals who stand a little taller than the others. Among those spiritual giants who led the movement for the establishment of South Berkeley Community Church one may discern the names of Henry and Laura B. Clark, T. R. and Mamie Lane, Ernest Houlding, Mrs. Pearl Ivey, Thomas Walker, Lucille Lane, and young Tom Walker.
The greatest dreams amount to naught unless there be some means of bringing them to fruition. In order to consummate their vision of a church founded on the proposition that God is no respecter of the external appearances of man, the pioneers needed a house for the service of the Lord. On the corner of Fairview and Ellis Streets in Berkeley, California stood a weather-beaten, deserted old church building. For thirty-one years it had provided shelter for a faithful congregation, but now, despite the Herculean efforts of the Reverend Tom Watts, it had succumbed to all the ills incident to war and the consequent population shifts. To the prospective South Berkeley Community Church members the old building seemed to plead, "Here am I, take me." The seekers heard the voice and negotiations with the Northern California Congregational Conference began.
Dr. Harley H. Gill, after an interview with Mrs. Laura Clark suggested that the unused building be made available for such a project as presented by the founders. The Conference then assumed the initiative and appointed a committee to study the feasibility of reopening the church with an interracial congregation and an emphasis on interracial cooperation. The committee appointed included Dr. Vere V. Loper of First Congregational Church in Berkeley; Dr. Robert Ingalls of Plymouth Congregational Church in Oakland; Mrs. Laura B. Clark; Reverend Ernest W. Houlding of the old Park Congregational Church, and Mr. Rufus Kerlinger, a layman. After much research and contemplation the committee submitted a favorable report. The last great hurdle was thus removed; now the work could begin.
This daring new venture in human relations and interracial understanding called for men who could match the mountains of difficulties that were bound to appear. Fortunately the leaders had the perspicacity to detect the needed qualities in two young men already residing in Berkeley. The call went out to Mr. Roy Nichols, a senior at the Pacific School of Religion and to Mr. Robert K. Winters, a junior at Starr King School for the Ministry. They accepted the challenge. To paraphrase a famous chronicle one might say that the South Berkeley Community Church was an energetic crew led by two good captains in the prow.
The first services were held on the fourth Sunday of October, 1943. In keeping with the significance of the occasion some illustrious men were invited to participate. Dr. Charles S. Johnson was the principal speaker but he shared the honors with Dr. Buell G. Gallagher, President of Talladega College and with Dr. Will Alexander from the United States Department of Education. Lest it be forgotten that the United States was in the midst of a great war one must mention that the Camp Ashby Military Singers furnished the music. Parenthetically it may be stated that the caliber of the men who occupied the pulpit for the initial ceremonies is a fair indicator of the kind of men who have contributed messages to the congregation over a span of twenty years.
The next Sunday, the first Sunday in November, approximately thirty persons were present. Two years later the membership had increased to 187. While this was not a spectacular growth, it was significant because it was proof positive that a philosophy based upon the inherent good in the nature of man still had many supporters, a tower of strength in all liberal causes, Buell G. Gallagher, joined in the work as co-pastor when Mr. Winters resigned to join the Armed Forces in April of 1944. At the time Dr. Gallagher was a professor at the Pacific School of Religion.
Technically the South Berkeley Community project was a Fellowship until October 2, 1944. On that date, having drawn up and adopted a proper constitution and having met all other requirements, the church became a bonafied member of the Northern California Congregational Conference. Dr. Harley R. Gill delivered. a prophetic sermon - "Pilgrims and Pioneers". The learned men who shared the pulpit on that great occasion - Buell Gallagher, Clarence Reidenbach, Vere Loper., Robert Ingliss, Roy Nichols - had important things to say. Everything uttered that day, however, could be summed up in the words of the Covenant:
"In the love of Truth and in the Spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of man".