Our Civil Rights History

GUUF's history

with Civil Rights, Gay Issues and Human Justice Activities

1945-1950's: Future GUUF group meets at Gil Rowland's house to discuss current issues, primarily civil rights for blacks. As individuals, many of the group members advocated and fought for equality for blacks. For example, Joe Allmon was a founder of the Greenville Urban League.

1960's-1970's: GUUF houses refugees from Uganda and Vietnam until the families were able to find their own homes.The families lived at different times in the house on Buist Avenue, the home of GUUF.

1970's-1980's: Pete Tollison serves as half-time minister. Causes controversy by preaching several gay rights sermons. Discussions were held and some members felt the congregation was not ready to confront these issues. Others felt GUUF already was a welcoming church, and did not want to become known as the "gay church". Pete Tollison was asked to leave.Some said it was due to his stand on gay rights, others said it was just time for a change. After leaving, Tollison acknowledges his homosexuality.

1980's-early 1990's: Dale Robison, interim minister, causes controversy with homophobic remarks during a meeting with Lee Deitz.Deitz suggests sermon on gay rights as part of Sunday Services committee.Robison becomes very upset.Deitz felt Robison should be asked to resign due to his attitude towards homosexuals. The board heard tapes of the meeting and his remarks, but took no action. Robison later called Deitz and said it was his own (Robison's) problem, and he was working through it.

1992: Women's rights discussion held to discuss some members' concerns regarding calling a female minister, Jennifer Slade. Once settled here, the Rev. Slade, and other members marched in support of abortion rights and served as escorts at clinics.

1994: GUUF began maintaining two temporary homes for the homeless: the Rowland House and the Yockey House.

1992-2000: Under Slade's leadership, GUUF became more visible voice for justice in the community through several efforts: Slade was appointed to board of Urban League. GUUF marched as group under GUUF banner in Gay Pride parade. World AIDS Day memorial quilt displayed at fellowship

1995-1996: Diversity Task Force formed after a visitor to the discussion group was offended, made a homophobic comment, and walked out. She objected to the presentation of a gay rights article brought by a gay member. Barbara Gill, David Watkins, Jim Fowler and Peg McFerrin were on the task force. Jennifer Slade gave sermons on homosexuality, panel discussions and Sunday afternoon meetings were held. Fellowship generally felt it was already a welcoming congregation but gave no visible support of formal intention outside of church. They would react positively if a gay issue came up, but only within the church. Meetings were held for a while, but most of articulation was done by a small group of individuals. Slade chose not to push for welcoming congregation status; she felt the focus was too broad.

1996: Greenville County passed an anti-gay ordinance. GUUF quickly responded by having a presence at County Council meetings and later hosting a community-wide meeting (600+ attendees) to discuss how to respond to this injustice. Members David Watkins and Susan Stallard formed Pro-Justice Carolina as a result of this meeting and then brought on board the G-ville Chamber of Commerce and Furman University to support the cause. GUUF members gave generously of time and money to attend meetings and support Pro-Justice. An article about the rally can be seen here.