| Rev. Elder John Gill: Be Blessed in Retirement! It caught me a little by surprise when I learned of Rev. Elder John Gill's retirement from MCC ministry, probably because we are contemporaries...and because John has always been there as a trusted colleague, friend and leader in MCC.
I met John Gill in Atlanta in 1973 when we were both coming into MCC. He was a young, handsome, Princeton graduate who brought an Ivy league theological education and a touch of class to MCC. He was elected an Elder in 1974 but was not returned in 1976 in a rough year for incumbents in those early, tumultuous days. Charlie Arehart and I were both nominated and elected that year (to our surprise!), and moments after my election, John Gill was right there in front of me with a dozen, congratulatory yellow roses. That was so "John." From that point on, he was always "Elder" John and continued to serve in many capacities in the denomination as a volunteer, over and above his full-time pastoral ministry.
John came to MCC in 1971 to start a church in Atlanta. In addition, he made important contributions to MCC through long-term, successful, fruitful pastorates in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Houston, Texas; and St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as two interim pastorates in San Diego, California, and Phoenix, Arizona. John brought strength, stability, openness, pastoral and management skills to every church and made a lasting contribution in every case. John modeled integrity, excellence and a deep spiritual commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and MCC's mission. He has inspired many to answer their own call to pastoral ministry or lay leadership in MCC.
John also played an important role in history in the early days. He was the first one to get the call when that terrible fire happened in New Orleans that killed 32 people and desvastated our church's leadership and membership. John was there, alongside Rev. Perry, dealing with the horrific aftermath of the deadly fire. Accounts of his role are written in Rev. Perry's book, Don't Be Afraid Anymore, and Out for Good, by Cleniden and Nagourney.
John Gill has played a role in every major change in MCC's life and structure, especially to advise MCC's leadership. When John would speak at a General Conference, which he did sparingly, everyone listened. John is always practical, as well as pastoral.
And John has a wonderful sense of humor - he is funny, theatrical when he wants to be, and always uses humor as a leveler. THANK YOU, REV. ELDER JOHN GILL! To read his full bio at The LGBT Religious Archives Network, click here. Thanks also to his partner, John Phlegar, for helping to pull this tribute together.  | | Rev. Elder John W. Gill & John E. Phlegar |
Some colleagues and friends were invited to share their congratulations and memories as well:
"When I first came to MCC in 1976, you were already an icon - someone who was always spoken of with great awe and whose words where highly respected. As I got to know more about you over the ensuing years, I came to understand why. You truly are a spiritual giant, a wise prophet, and a gentle pastor. You really are worthy of the high trust that so many of us have placed in you..." - Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
"Rev. Elder John Gill has been through the worst and the best of times in Metropolitan Community Church. Rev. John contributed to the growth of the denomination through his steady and strong leadership. He is a man of integrity, kindness and compassion. He has some wonderful gifts, including good traveling skills on ships, slot machine expertise, and is the only person I know who can come home from vacation with more soap and shampoo than when he went." - Rev. Lorraine Brock, Associate Pastor, King of Peace MCC, St. Petersburg, Florida
"John Gill and his partner John Phlegar rescued MCC San Diego as our Interim Pastor . . .when Rev. Elders Darlene Garner and Don Eastman proposed John Gill to be our Interim Pastor, is was "love at first sight," as we were already aware of the incredible service that this servant of God has bestowed upon our denomination...He was God-sent to be Who we needed, When we needed him, and for What needed him. God bless John and John on their well-earned retirement. May all their Cruises be smooth sailing into beautiful sunsets..." - Al Smithson, lay leader, MCC San Diego, California
You can send your best wishes and thanksgiving for the ministry of Rev. Elder John Gill to revgill@hotmail.com. Grace and Peace, + Nancy Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson |
