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Chuck Larson was raised in the Catholic Church and was pastoring a Presbyterian Church in Georgia (USA), when he made a trip to Florida (USA) specifically to meet Rev. Troy Perry. Less than a month later, Chuck was elected as the Pastor of MCC Tampa, and he continued his ministry in MCC, pastoring 7 different churches before he retired. He says his proudest moment as an MCC member came in the early 1980s when he and other members of Resurrection MCC took Cuban refugees into their homes.

Written (Survey) History

This history was collected via online survey.

What do you like to be called by your friends and family?

Chuck

 

Where were you born?

St. Paul, Minnesota

 

Do you have a life partner or spouse?

Yes

 

If you have a partner or spouse and feel comfortable doing so, please provide their name below.

Dr. Glenn D Bottomly, PhD.

 

If you have a partner or spouse, we would be honored to make note of any anniversary you celebrate. You may enter your anniversary date below.

July 8, 1991

 

Did you grow up in a church? If yes, which one?

Raised Catholic

 

When did you first discover Metropolitan Community Churches?

1972

 

How did you hear about MCC? Friend, family, advertising, Troy’s book, other? Please describe.

I was pastoring Highlands Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA when I read about MCC and Rev. Perry going to the Democratic National Convention In Miami, FL. I called MCC in Atlanta and found out Troy would be stopping in at MCC of Tampa after the convention so I flew down to Tampa to meet him. Less than a month later I was elected as the Pastor of MCC Tampa and flew off to the Third General Conference in LA. The rest is history.

 

Describe your first visit to MCC. Please include the church’s name.

My first visit was MCC Tampa in June of 1972. I flew down to meet Rev. Troy Perry. Rev. Joe Gilbert was a candidate for the pulpit that Rev. Lee Carleton was leaving to accept the pastorate of MCC LA. Joe was not elected, but I was.

 

How many years have you belonged to a MCC?

Since 1972.

 

Who preached the sermon that you’ve never forgotten? Do you remember the name of the sermon? Where were you when you heard it?

Rev. Dee Lamb’s sermon, “God’s Eye is on the Sparrow.” She preached it at MCC of the Resurrection, Houston, Texas.

 

Who influenced you the most in MCC?

Rev. Dee Lamb-

 

Describe how this person influenced you.

Rev. Dee Lamb was the Associate Pastor at Resurrection MCC when I was the senior pastor. Her example of simple Christian love and service touches me to this day. Dee was the perfect pastor and friend to everyone she met. I love her and miss her so much. Right along with Dee has to be Ms. Annette Beall her Administrative Assistant. Dee and Ms. Annette were great example of the ultimate friend, co-worker, and, Christian disciple.

 

If you attend a MCC now, please give its name.

All God’s Children MCC in Minneapolis, MN.

 

What do you like best about your local church?

All God’s Children was the last MCC that I Pastored and so it has a special place in my heart. Glenn and I both love the fellowship, love, and, acceptance that abounds here.

 

What do you like best about the movement, ministry and community of MCC?

We are still in the fore front of including GLBT people in all phases of church life. Other churches talk a good talk about being “OPEN ” and so forth–but when the chips are down only MCC really opens all of itself up to GLBT folks and who-so-ever- else.

 

What was the moment when you felt most proud to be a member of MCC?

I was most proud when a number of members of Resurrection MCC took in over 30 Cuban refugees during the great exodus in the early 1980′s. Rev. Dee Lamb and I each took Cubans into our homes.

 

Have you attended a General Conference? If so please tell how many you have attended.

I attending my first one 1972 and dozens after that.

 

What do you like best about General Conferences?

Meeting old friends as well as seeing fellow clergy, members of former churches I served, and meeting new MCC’ers.

 

What do you remember about the Inclusive (Including) Language Project? Or your first encounter with Inclusive (Including) language at MCC.

During my pastorate at Resurrection MCC in Houston, Texas the concern over inclusive language came up. The Southern MCC’S had a harder time changing and some of those in favor of inclusive language could have softened their zeal and lack of patience. Some in MCC needed a little more time for the change. Folks came to the General Conference held in Houston, Texas with less than Christian love for us but we overcame the hostility and eventually all of the critics settled down. Today inclusive language is a given- Thank GOD!

 

What do you remember about the ordination of women and people of color?

I remember the ordination of Rev. Elder Freda Smith.

 

What do you remember about the beginning of ministry to the transgender and intersex communities? 

In all of the 7 MCC’S I Pastored we always had Transgender members. I recall them going back to 1972.

 

What do you remember about the growth of a community of children or a children’s / youth ministry at your MCC? 

IN 1972 MCC Tampa started Sunday school for youth and children.

 

What do you remember about MCC ministry during the beginning of the AIDS pandemic and the transition of that movement to where it is today?

I was pastor of Resurrection MCC in Houston. It was such a time of uncertainty and fear. I recall the first community meeting at MD Anderson Hospital. The new illness was called “GAY CANCER” and was later named AIDS. I recall making as many as 7 visits to church members in one hospital and having to change hospital gowns, shoe coverings, and masks and gloves. It was terrifying.

 

Please include any other memory or historical moment that you wish to share.

The day Harvey Milk and George Moscone was killed in San Francisco. I was in Houston, Texas applying for the pulpit. It was Noon on Monday that MCC San Francisco called me and said I was needed back home. I immediately got on a plane and returned to that dark and blood-stained City by the Bay. Upon my return I found out that I had missed the memorial service for Harvey and George at the Gay Community Center.

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