January 1946
A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1912 the members of the Park Congregational Church, moved into their newly constructed building on the corner of Fairview and Ellis Streets in Berkeley. A fruitful ministry followed. Later, however, the name of the Church was changed to South Berkeley Community (Congregational).
Time passed. Many of the original founders moved away. An increasing number of Negroes entered the area. The "American dilemma" proved frustrating; the vitality of Old Park Church waned. Finally, after 31 years, the remnant congregation decided to discontinue services. After being deeded over to the Northern California Conference of Congregational Churches, the run down property stood deserted in the midst of its greatest opportunity.
In June, 1943, the Conference appointed a committee, consisting of Rev. Robert Ingles, Rev. Vere V. Loper, Dr. Harley Gill, Mrs. Laura B. Clark, Mr. Rufus Kerlinger, and Rev. Ernest Houlding, to report on prospects for a new work. A previous report had been submitted by Dr. Harold Kingsley. The Committee recommended an interracial venture, with Mr. Robert K. Winters, a junior at the Starr King School for the Ministry, and Mr. Roy Nichols, a Senior at the Pacific School of Religion, furnishing the leadership. An inclusive worship service was to be the foundation from which a larger community work should grow. In late September, the spade work began.
On the fourth Sunday afternoon in October, 1943, Dr. Charles S. Johnson, noted sociologist, delivered the address which publicly launched the new enterprise. About 30 persons gathered for the first morning worship service the following Sunday. A steady growth followed. Late in March, 1944, Mrs. Mattie C. Claiborne, trained social worker, volunteered her services and laid plans for the inauguration of a Community Center Program. In April, the program was under way. Mr. Winters resigned, to join the armed forces, the same month.
In May, Dr. Buell G. Gallagher, already a member of the Conference Supervisory Committee and Professor of Christian Ethics at the Pacific School of Religion, volunteered to serve as co-pastor, replacing Mr. Winters. Since October of 1943, we had worked as a fellowship; but in late June of 1944, a constitution was adopted. The Charter members elected officers in July. During the same summer a group of Work Campers, sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, and directed by Rev. Robert James, dressed up the outside of the building, with a much needed coat of paint. By October 1944, we were ready to be received, in full standing into the Bay Association of Congregational Churches.
A BRIEF SUMMARY
Our progress has not been sensational. It has been steady. Lay leadership shouldered the weight of progress. On December 1, 1945, we were 187 strong. We are an inclusive fellowship of Christians. All are welcome, regardless of race, class or nationality. We have been referred to as “The Church without Walls”.
Our Community Center is the only institution of its kind serving the citizens of South Berkeley. During the period from April to December of 1945, an average of 800 different persons per month participated in the Center program.
Denominationally speaking, we are, Congregationalists. We do not quibble over creed, but we are organically affiliated with Northern California Conference of Congregational Churches. Our building is the property of the Conference. As a congregation, we practice of Congregationalism, as a local Church we are the final authority in all matters regarding governance and discipline.
Ideologically speaking, we belong to the growing edge of the Church of Christ; expressing in our worship, fellowship and service the ministry of reconciliation committed to the followers of Jesus. This is our continuing mission.