Minutes of CRH Membership Meeting on January 5, 1965
Dublin Core
Title
Minutes of CRH Membership Meeting on January 5, 1965
Description
Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin Papers.
Source
Repository: GLBT Historical Society
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Text
Page 1:
The general membership meeting of the Council on Religion and the Homosexual was called to order at 7:55 p.m. by Don Lucas, acting chairman, on January 5, 1965 at Glide Fellowship Hall.
Acceptance of the by-laws presented by the attorneys and Board of Trustees was moved by Canon Robert Cromey and seconded by Rev. Cecil Williams.
Rev. John Moore moved to make provision for monthly meetings, since the by-laws provided only for an annual membership meeting. Correction to be made to Section IV, No. 3, "There will be made monthly meetings of the membership."
It was pointed out that the idea was that an active member must be on a Committee and that monthly meetings would be needed for committee reports. It was further pointed out that the purpose of the Council is to keep the dialogue flowing and that this will entail many small meetings. There must be an open-endedness for meetings - a structure not too rigid.
Rev. More pointed out that the success of the organizations depends on a police of participation to keep everyone interested. Rev. Williams said everyone should go through an orientation group and that the dialogue must be consistent in groups on significant issues.
A new motion was suggested that there should be at least six meetings of the entire membership per year. Rev. Laird Sutton asked how this would come about - if there is enough interest the Board may be petitioned to hold a meeting. Members will be notified of meetings by mail. Rev. Moore and Miss Leon agreed to the amendment to the motion. All but one voted aye.
Rev. Lew Durham moved that the fourth line of Section 13 on page 3 of the by-laws should read "shall be given to all members of the corporation" rather than "board". This was carried unanimously.
Rev. Sutton asked if Board meetings would be open to the membership. They will be closed unless otherwise stated at the discretion of the Board.
Bill Plath moved, and Rev. Cromey seconded, to change "secretary" to "treasurer" on page 3, 4th line of the second paragraph. Carried unanimously.
Rev. Chuck Lewis moved that Section II, paragraph 3, be changed to read "terms shall expire at the first meeting of each calendar year". Carried unanimously.
Rev. Lewis moved, Bill Plath seconded, the same change in the last sentence of Paragraph 3, Section II.
Hal Call moved an enabling motion to let a committee of the Board change the by-laws where necessary to conform to the previous change. Rev. Neale Secor and Rev. Williams seconded. Carried unanimously.
Question was called to vote on by-laws as amended. Carried unanimously. Mr. Lucas said that members owuld receive a copy of the amended by-laws.
Rev. Moore announced a series of sermons he plans on the ethics of sex and everyone was asked to attend to show our support. Many from Rev. Moore's congregation may not come, but he added they may come out of curiosity.
Rev. Dick Whitman said there is a need to look at the proble in light of theological expression. He was asked to submit his ideas in writing to the Board.
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Canon Cromey announced he and Don Lucas will be on Dick Stewart's show, KGO-TV, January 8, at 1:30 p.m. with a follow-up program on January 11.
Guy Strait will appear on KCBS radio on the Spectrum 74 show on January 6. The ACLU will also be on radio and a program will be taped for BBC.
Don Lucas thanked the participating organizations and people for their help with the Ball - Gene Swartz, SIR, decorations; Darryl Glied and Bill Plath, Tavern Guild beverages and orchestras; DOB, hat check stand and selling tickets; Strait & Associates, taking pictures; the Coits, food.
Mark Forrester made a plea for further activity to follow up the Ball, outline for which he distributed in mimeograph form. He said the Council should send a delegation to see Mayor Shelley, promote a letter campaign to the newspapers and the mayor, and sponsor another dance the last week of February. He also suggested reinstating the idea of a War Chest to solicit funds for legal defense.
Mr. Lucas said he had discussed the idea of another ball the clergy and lawyers and they had voiced no objections.
Ball May read some copies of sample letters being sent to may or Shelley.
Rev. Williams stated that we must take steps relevant to the situation, protesting the police harassment of participants of the ball (whether public or private). It is timely that we engage in such activity. What we have gained in publicity will dissipate if we don't capture what is happening now. We have not yet had a strategy meeting to structure this. The church people don't know what to think or say. We must constantly plug at educative devices. Many people are simply not interested and write us off - homosexuals and ministers alike. People are afraid. These are the underlying forces. We should be sensitive to the mayor's statement. We have got to start anticipating, sense what the mood is.
At the request of Bill Billings, Don Lucas gave a financial report on the ball. 529 people presented tickets and over 600 people attended altogether (including about 50 policemen). Close to 100 tickets were sold to persons who did not attend. There were 5 refunds to minors, since ID's were checked at the door. All the money is not in, but there was approximately $3000 in income and $1650 in expenses leaving a net income for the Council of $1350.
Rev. Neale Secor Pointed out, during the ensuing debate of the pros and cons of a dance or a concert as possible means for raising funds for the Council, that the particular civil rights issue involved at the moment was whether or not the ball was a public or private affair. He reminded the membership that our attorneys had asked us to strike the word ticket from our vocabulary and substitute invitation. He suggested that other constitutional issues will not be pursued and that if we hold another dance the police will come and on a more magnified and intense scale.
Bob Ross pointed out that 7 bar licenses were coming up right now, that there was fear by bar owners of police reprisals - many had been ordered to take down the signs advertising the ball and they had complied. Many bar owners feared putting up signs for the coming auctions sponsored by the Tavern
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Guild. He doubted very much if the bars would support another ball - there really hadn't been the support expected for the last one.
Rev. Lewis Durham pointed out that the ministers' wives were hopping mad, that this was their first experience with this sort of police intimidation. Other church people, however, were concerned that the Methodists were sponsoring a bar.
Mr. Lucas summarized the discussion. Suggestions for raising funds were to hold a concert or a dance. Several other purposes would be involved: drawing together the homophile and the overall community at a concert or baiting the police department by having another ball.
It was suggested that the concert should come first - to gather more people to the Council on all sides and gain community support for other tactics in the civil rights area.
Mr. Forrester insisted we would be stepping down if we don't hold another ball right away, that we would be giving in to fear and intimidation, that we must confront police authority.
Bill Beardemphl said he believed the gay bar owners need to make a commitment. SIR is planning to have a raffle to raise funds for the Council. If we renege, we will lose self respect.
Canon Cromey moved that the matter be referred to the Board of Trustees and a report made to the next general membership meeting.
Mr. McIlvenna asked for a show of hands of those in favor of another dance - overwhelming majority. The objectors pointed out it was too soon, a concert should come first and all legal channels exhausted first.
SIR reported that a letter writing campaign had already begun - letters being sent to the mayor, chief of police, and the newspapers. They pointed out that people should also be calling radio stations that have telephone audience participation shows. They felt letters should also be sent to the big national magazines - Life, Look, and New Week. They also suggested the use of economic boycotts. We must take advantage of the present excitement.
Canon Cromey revised his motion to read that the matter be referred to the Board of Trustees to form committees to handle immediate action projects and to work out the problems of having another ball. Mr. Forrester seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The next membership meeting was scheduled for January 19.
Wayne pointed out that raffle donation receipts would be ready on Monday. While the raffle will be sponsored by SIR, the money is for the Council. Prizes will be color TV, polaroid camera, case of imported champagne. SIR will need to sell 1100 tickets to break even. The raffle will be on a three months basis. No receipts are to be sent through the mails.
Rev. McIlvenna said he appreciated the support and the taking of chances of the community. A lot of attitudes in our society need to be changed, and it will take discretion and courage to accomplish it.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Del Martin
Acting Secretary
The general membership meeting of the Council on Religion and the Homosexual was called to order at 7:55 p.m. by Don Lucas, acting chairman, on January 5, 1965 at Glide Fellowship Hall.
Acceptance of the by-laws presented by the attorneys and Board of Trustees was moved by Canon Robert Cromey and seconded by Rev. Cecil Williams.
Rev. John Moore moved to make provision for monthly meetings, since the by-laws provided only for an annual membership meeting. Correction to be made to Section IV, No. 3, "There will be made monthly meetings of the membership."
It was pointed out that the idea was that an active member must be on a Committee and that monthly meetings would be needed for committee reports. It was further pointed out that the purpose of the Council is to keep the dialogue flowing and that this will entail many small meetings. There must be an open-endedness for meetings - a structure not too rigid.
Rev. More pointed out that the success of the organizations depends on a police of participation to keep everyone interested. Rev. Williams said everyone should go through an orientation group and that the dialogue must be consistent in groups on significant issues.
A new motion was suggested that there should be at least six meetings of the entire membership per year. Rev. Laird Sutton asked how this would come about - if there is enough interest the Board may be petitioned to hold a meeting. Members will be notified of meetings by mail. Rev. Moore and Miss Leon agreed to the amendment to the motion. All but one voted aye.
Rev. Lew Durham moved that the fourth line of Section 13 on page 3 of the by-laws should read "shall be given to all members of the corporation" rather than "board". This was carried unanimously.
Rev. Sutton asked if Board meetings would be open to the membership. They will be closed unless otherwise stated at the discretion of the Board.
Bill Plath moved, and Rev. Cromey seconded, to change "secretary" to "treasurer" on page 3, 4th line of the second paragraph. Carried unanimously.
Rev. Chuck Lewis moved that Section II, paragraph 3, be changed to read "terms shall expire at the first meeting of each calendar year". Carried unanimously.
Rev. Lewis moved, Bill Plath seconded, the same change in the last sentence of Paragraph 3, Section II.
Hal Call moved an enabling motion to let a committee of the Board change the by-laws where necessary to conform to the previous change. Rev. Neale Secor and Rev. Williams seconded. Carried unanimously.
Question was called to vote on by-laws as amended. Carried unanimously. Mr. Lucas said that members owuld receive a copy of the amended by-laws.
Rev. Moore announced a series of sermons he plans on the ethics of sex and everyone was asked to attend to show our support. Many from Rev. Moore's congregation may not come, but he added they may come out of curiosity.
Rev. Dick Whitman said there is a need to look at the proble in light of theological expression. He was asked to submit his ideas in writing to the Board.
Page 2:
Canon Cromey announced he and Don Lucas will be on Dick Stewart's show, KGO-TV, January 8, at 1:30 p.m. with a follow-up program on January 11.
Guy Strait will appear on KCBS radio on the Spectrum 74 show on January 6. The ACLU will also be on radio and a program will be taped for BBC.
Don Lucas thanked the participating organizations and people for their help with the Ball - Gene Swartz, SIR, decorations; Darryl Glied and Bill Plath, Tavern Guild beverages and orchestras; DOB, hat check stand and selling tickets; Strait & Associates, taking pictures; the Coits, food.
Mark Forrester made a plea for further activity to follow up the Ball, outline for which he distributed in mimeograph form. He said the Council should send a delegation to see Mayor Shelley, promote a letter campaign to the newspapers and the mayor, and sponsor another dance the last week of February. He also suggested reinstating the idea of a War Chest to solicit funds for legal defense.
Mr. Lucas said he had discussed the idea of another ball the clergy and lawyers and they had voiced no objections.
Ball May read some copies of sample letters being sent to may or Shelley.
Rev. Williams stated that we must take steps relevant to the situation, protesting the police harassment of participants of the ball (whether public or private). It is timely that we engage in such activity. What we have gained in publicity will dissipate if we don't capture what is happening now. We have not yet had a strategy meeting to structure this. The church people don't know what to think or say. We must constantly plug at educative devices. Many people are simply not interested and write us off - homosexuals and ministers alike. People are afraid. These are the underlying forces. We should be sensitive to the mayor's statement. We have got to start anticipating, sense what the mood is.
At the request of Bill Billings, Don Lucas gave a financial report on the ball. 529 people presented tickets and over 600 people attended altogether (including about 50 policemen). Close to 100 tickets were sold to persons who did not attend. There were 5 refunds to minors, since ID's were checked at the door. All the money is not in, but there was approximately $3000 in income and $1650 in expenses leaving a net income for the Council of $1350.
Rev. Neale Secor Pointed out, during the ensuing debate of the pros and cons of a dance or a concert as possible means for raising funds for the Council, that the particular civil rights issue involved at the moment was whether or not the ball was a public or private affair. He reminded the membership that our attorneys had asked us to strike the word ticket from our vocabulary and substitute invitation. He suggested that other constitutional issues will not be pursued and that if we hold another dance the police will come and on a more magnified and intense scale.
Bob Ross pointed out that 7 bar licenses were coming up right now, that there was fear by bar owners of police reprisals - many had been ordered to take down the signs advertising the ball and they had complied. Many bar owners feared putting up signs for the coming auctions sponsored by the Tavern
Page 3:
Guild. He doubted very much if the bars would support another ball - there really hadn't been the support expected for the last one.
Rev. Lewis Durham pointed out that the ministers' wives were hopping mad, that this was their first experience with this sort of police intimidation. Other church people, however, were concerned that the Methodists were sponsoring a bar.
Mr. Lucas summarized the discussion. Suggestions for raising funds were to hold a concert or a dance. Several other purposes would be involved: drawing together the homophile and the overall community at a concert or baiting the police department by having another ball.
It was suggested that the concert should come first - to gather more people to the Council on all sides and gain community support for other tactics in the civil rights area.
Mr. Forrester insisted we would be stepping down if we don't hold another ball right away, that we would be giving in to fear and intimidation, that we must confront police authority.
Bill Beardemphl said he believed the gay bar owners need to make a commitment. SIR is planning to have a raffle to raise funds for the Council. If we renege, we will lose self respect.
Canon Cromey moved that the matter be referred to the Board of Trustees and a report made to the next general membership meeting.
Mr. McIlvenna asked for a show of hands of those in favor of another dance - overwhelming majority. The objectors pointed out it was too soon, a concert should come first and all legal channels exhausted first.
SIR reported that a letter writing campaign had already begun - letters being sent to the mayor, chief of police, and the newspapers. They pointed out that people should also be calling radio stations that have telephone audience participation shows. They felt letters should also be sent to the big national magazines - Life, Look, and New Week. They also suggested the use of economic boycotts. We must take advantage of the present excitement.
Canon Cromey revised his motion to read that the matter be referred to the Board of Trustees to form committees to handle immediate action projects and to work out the problems of having another ball. Mr. Forrester seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The next membership meeting was scheduled for January 19.
Wayne pointed out that raffle donation receipts would be ready on Monday. While the raffle will be sponsored by SIR, the money is for the Council. Prizes will be color TV, polaroid camera, case of imported champagne. SIR will need to sell 1100 tickets to break even. The raffle will be on a three months basis. No receipts are to be sent through the mails.
Rev. McIlvenna said he appreciated the support and the taking of chances of the community. A lot of attitudes in our society need to be changed, and it will take discretion and courage to accomplish it.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Del Martin
Acting Secretary
Citation
“Minutes of CRH Membership Meeting on January 5, 1965”, The Council on Religion and the Homosexual, LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed December 23, 2024, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/exhibits/show/crh/item/1796.