History of The Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches
The Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches was founded on November 29th, 1981 six people attended the first worship service at Tom Sisco’s home on 36th and Flagler in West Palm Beach (pictured above). The following Sunday, with encouragement from the pastor of MCC Ft. Lauderdale, Rev. John Gill, the first worship service was held with six people in attendance. The group grew rapidly, attaining official status as a Study Group with Mr. Richard Ross named as the first Worship Coordinator.
Milestones for MCCPB
February 1982 – Troy Perry makes first of many visits to MCCPB
January 1983 – Rev. Thomas Bigelow called as MCCPB’s first full-time pastor
June 1983 – MCCPB found its first home at The Women’s Club of West Palm Beach
May 1984 – MCCPB is granted Missions Status
May 1985 – MCCPB is granted Chartered Church Status
November 1988 – Rev. Bigelow elected Southeast District Coordinator
April 1989 – Rev. Julia Seward is elected Pastor
December 1990 – MCCPB leases its own church facilities on 45th St. complete with sanctuary, offices and meeting rooms
October 1992 – Rev. Seward elected pastor of MCC Key West
May 1993 – Rev. Marion Harrison is called as Senior Pastor and served until his retirement in 1998.
June 1999 – Rev. Jim Martin elected as pastor
March 2000 – MCCPB purchases property at 4857 Northlake Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens
August 13, 2000 – First worship held in MCCPB’s new home
November 5, 2000 – New property is consecrated by Rev. Elder Troy Perry, Rev. John Gill and Rev. Judy Davenport
March 2002 – The 1st annual Rainbow Ball is held and has since become MCCPB’s largest community fundraiser
December 2003 – Rev. Martin resigns to pursue other interests
September 2004 – Hurricanes Frances and Jean inflict over $90,000.00 in damage to the church property
October 2004 – Rev. Paul Whiting elected pastor
September 2005 – Rev. Whiting leads congregation in rededication of Sanctuary and facilities
May 2006 – Shawn Thomas is hired as first full-time Minister of Music and Administration
January 2009 – Jeremiah Cummings is hired as Music Director and Worship Coordinator
May 2009 – Rev. Whiting encouraged by UFMCC Board of Elders, accepts pastorate in London, Ontario, Canada
September 2009 – Rev. Patrick Rogers is appointed Provisional Pastor
March 2011 – Rev. Dr. Lea Brown elected as Senior Pastor
June 2012 –Anne Atwell and Marianne Cavagnaro clergy interns Rev. Marian stays on as volunteer clergy until 2016
January 2017 – Jubilant Song Campaign to replace organ and piano
November 2017 – Enough for All Thrift Store opens
January 2018 – Chris Lacharite hired as Positive Connections/HIV Program Manager
July 2018 – Jeremiah Cummings resigns and relocates to St. Petersburg FL
September 2018 – Rev. Dr. Lea Brown resigns to intern as military chaplain in Asheville NC
September 2018 – Rev. Elder Tony Freeman appointed as Interim Pastor
December 2018 – Pastoral Search Committee elected
July 2019 – Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey elected as Senior Pastor (begins in September)
October 2022 – Chris Lacharite retires as Program Manager
November 2022 – Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey resigns as Senior Pastor
July 2, 2023 – Rev. Ray Simms appointed Provisional Pastor