[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      50th ANNIVERSARY OF MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church in Milwaukee, 
WI, an inclusive Christian community of faith. Milwaukee Metropolitan 
Community Church began as Prince of Peace Metropolitan Community Church 
in 1971 under the leadership of Reverend Paul Sydman. It was renamed 
Metropolitan Community Church in 1977 and finally Milwaukee 
Metropolitan Community Church in 1993.
  In its first 20 years, the church changed worship locations multiple 
times within the city of Milwaukee and held services in other churches 
before establishing its current home at 1239 West Mineral Street in 
Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood in 1993. With this purchase, 
the church became the first LGBTQI+ organization to own property in the 
city of Milwaukee, as well as the entire State of Wisconsin.
  Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church--MCC--is the oldest LGBTQI+ 
organization still in existence in Milwaukee and the State ofWisconsin. 
The church was originally started to provide a place for LGBTQI+ people 
to worship and has a long tradition of welcoming all people looking for 
a spiritual place where they can feel welcomed and accepted. It became 
a member of the Global Movement of Metropolitan Community Churches in 
1984. This denomination was founded by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and 
Transgender--LGBT--community in 1968.
  Current Pastor Reverend Tory V. Topjian began his pastorate as senior 
minister on June 1, 2016. It was within his first 10 days of service 
that the country and the LGBT community experienced the great tragedy 
of the Pulse Night Club shooting in Orlando, FL. Reverend Tory and 
Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church took an active role in helping 
the Milwaukee community grieve following the shooting.
  In 2020, after waiting for nearly 20 years, both the Interfaith 
Conference of Greater Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Council of Churches 
finally recognized Metropolitan Community Churches to be a viable and 
important community of faith. Milwaukee MCC was invited to sit on 
councils of both these vital community organizations and offered a 
well-deserved voice and vote.
  Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church, like most churches, adjusted 
and adapted to the pandemic and its impact on church community since 
the spring of 2020. Virtual worship and programming were offered to 
keep the congregation safe while maintaining community.
  The year 2021 marks 50 years since the beginning of this important 
community within Milwaukee, WI, and the LGBTQ community. A welcoming 
place for all, its foundation is built on community and inclusiveness. 
Earlier this year, the Milwaukee Historical Society honored this 
community being the oldest LGBTQI+ organization still in existence. Its 
significance and impact on countless members over the years is 
profound. Please join me in celebrating this historically and 
spiritually important community.

                          ____________________