The History of St. John's MCC

St. John's Metropolitan Community Church began as a small group of individuals who came together on the last Sunday in February, 1976, to study the Gospel of John. Facilitated by The Rev. Willie White and his partner, Robert Pace, the group continues to meet and by June of 1976, voted to affiliate with MCC. The Rev. Willie White, who Pastored St. Johns from 1976-1981, began a relationship with the Campus Ministry of North Carolina State University which continues today. Other needs of the Lesbian and Gay Community were addressed by St. John's in those early days including anonymous STD screening and rap groups. Within a year of its founding, the church began meeting at Community United Church of Christ. This mutually nurturing relationship lasted 17 years, until we purchased our own property on Glenwood Avenue.

Our Second Pastor, The Rev. June Norris, the first heterosexual woman to be ordained in the UFMCC, served St. John's from 1981 to 1988 and continued St. John's participation both in the LGBT Community and the community at large, including offering testimony before the Raleigh City Council regarding nondiscrimination clauses as well as participation in North Carolina Pride events. During her tenure the diversity that has always been a central hallmark at St. John's was strengthened.

In the mid-1990's, St. John's began a serious search for a worship center, led by The Rev. Wayne Lindsey, the third Pastor of St. John's, culminating in the purchase of our ministry complex. During this time, we also became active in Raleigh Religious Network for Lesbian and Gay Equality. Additionally, Rev. Lindsey worked with the Gulf Lower Atlantic District to secure UFMCC's membership in the North Carolina Council of Churches, a membership that we maintain today.

In July of 2001, St. John's called The Rev. Belva Y. Boone to serve as its fourth Pastor. Committed to "find them, bring them in, grow them up and send them out," Rev. Boone, through the leading of the Spirit, is leading us into the new vision for ministry in, with and among God's people right "in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina." And there's a place here for You too!