Collection Details:

Collection Name and Number: Safe Harbor Family Church Records (Z/2389).
Creator/Collector: Members of Safe Harbor Family Church.
Date(s): 1995-2022.
Size: 3.60 cubic feet.
Language(s): English.
Processed by: MDAH staff, Laura Heller, 2022; MDAH intern, Samantha Case, 2023.
Provenance: Gift of Safe Harbor Family Church, Clinton, MS on June 16, 2022; Z/U/2022.027.
Repository: Archives & Records Services Division, Mississippi Department of Archives & History.

 

Rights and Access:

Access restrictions: Collection is open for research. Restricted: Original visitor’s information cards, membership lists, directories, and canceled checks in box 8.

Publication rights: Copyright assigned to the MDAH. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to Reference Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the MDAH as the owner of the physical items and as the owner of the copyright in items created by the donor. Although the copyright was transferred by the donor, the respective creator may still hold copyright in some items in the collection. For further information, contact Reference Services.

Copyright notice: This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Preferred citation: Safe Harbor Family Church Records (Z/2389), Mississippi Department of Archives & History.

 

History:

Safe Harbor Family Church

In June of 1995, Safe Harbor Family Church (SFHC) began through the efforts of twelve people who met over a picnic lunch spread on a quilt in a local park in Jackson, however some histories say the first group met in Reverend Jim Becker’s living room those first few months. They firmly believed they could be people of faith without having to deny their sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. These twelve people founded Safe Harbor Family Church as “a shelter from the storms of life.” Their goal was “to make the church a friendly, safe, comfortable, functional, complete Christian home filled with the love that Jesus taught.” Many members feared being fired if employers knew they were LGBTQ, and some experienced being disowned by their families when they “came out.”  Others often faced harassment and discrimination.  All sought a place to worship and fellowship with others. 

In the fall of 1995, SHFC leased suite 203 in the Metro-West Office Complex in South Jackson at 2147 Henry Hill Drive. The dedication of the first church took place on November 19, 1995. While at this location, SHFC continued to grow and mature. Reverend Jim Becker retired from ministry in July of 1998. At this time, Pam Walsh became pastor and Cindy Crocker became associate pastor. The church had a mailing list of 155 and a membership of 112. They were quickly outgrowing the location. The church expanded into Suite 201 of the same complex until September of 2008.  There is no documentation where the church met from September 2008 until November 2010.  SHFC met for services in a nondescript warehouse on Flowood Drive beginning on November 1, 2010 and remained there for eight years. The church currently shares a building with the Episcopal Church of the Creator in Clinton and meets regularly for evening service.

Pastors have included Reverend Jim Becker (June 1995-July 1998), Pam Walsh (July 1998-at least 2014), Amber Kirkendoll ()2014-2016), Reverend Dr. Ann Michele Rogers-Brigham (March 2017-2019), and Reverend Dr. Shelli Poe (January 1, 2021-2023).  Reverend Poe originally served as Director of Christian Education and Theologian-in-Residence beginning on March 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020. Her farewell Service took place on Sunday, March 26, 2023.  Amber Kirkendoll also served as co-pastor sometime around 2013.  Reverend Cindy Crocker was associate pastor from July 1998 to at least 2017.

The church often plans special events and trips to encourage fellowship and spiritual growth.  Trips have included Roosevelt State Park in Morton, Holmes County State Park,  Tishomingo State Park, the Smoky Mountains, float trip on the Bogue Chitto River, white water rafting trip in Ducktown, Tennessee, Six Flags Over Texas, Glacier National Park, among others.  SHFC have participated in Pride parades in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1996-2002, Mississippi Pride in Smith Park in April 2002, and September of 2003 and 2004, and WellsFest in Jackson.  From 1997-2000, they put on a “Gayla Extravaganza Drag Show” with PFLAG as a fundraiser for Project Connect.  They also provided a “Gay Olympics” to fundraise for the February Gayla Extravaganza which benefitted Project Connect in 2000, but for 2002 and 2003 funds were raised for the church building.  

The church also promotes a 9-month discipleship program called “Popa” where members study the history of Christianity, an overview of the Bible, Bible characters, ministry, and other world religions.  Planning of the program first met on November 9, 2002, and the “Popa” Deacon Program started meeting on January 12, 2003, although documents say it officially started on February 16, 2003.  The program included a retreat on June 20, 2003, and the first Popa service was on August 17, 2003.  The second Popa service was July 11, 2004.

Over the years, Safe Harbor Family Church has grown from this group of twelve, who met in each other’s homes, to a thriving community of dedicated members and friends who meet the needs of a much larger community. In 2010, Safe Harbor became part of the United Church of Christ (UCC).

 

Scope and Content Note:

The Safe Harbor Family Church Collection consists of documents recording the church’s history, pastoral leadership, correspondence, meeting minutes of the board as well as the pastoral and parish teams, congregational votes to join the United Church of Christ, board elections, worship bulletins, calendars, flyers, church events, newspaper clippings, and photographs. The church believes people can have faith without having to deny their sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. 

 

Series Identification:

Series 1: Church History, 1995-1997; 2007-2020.
This series includes Safe Harbor Family Church’s articles of incorporation dated July 20, 1995, as well as bylaws, policies and procedures, a behavioral covenant, and applications for nonprofit status.  A signed original “Manifesto of Freedom” from June 25, 1995 includes the signatures of Rev. James H. Becker, Maxx Renfroe, Jerry Martin, Beverly Bills, David L. Murray, Allen Shirley, Wendy Varnado, Clay Bartunek, Pamela Walsh, Nancy Bowman, and one illegible signature.  Included is a History and Second Anniversary Reflection, dated June 28, 1997.  Business records include lease agreements for the church home in Jackson in 1995, 2007, and Flowood in 2010.  Additionally, some notes on attendance statistics are included.  An undated brochure for Safe Harbor Family Church is also in this series.

Box 1, folders 1-13; 27

 

Series 2: Church Chair Dedications, 2012.
This series consists of applications for chair dedications, examples of dedications, and a set of plates used for these dedications.  The dedications were a fundraiser to sustain the church, bring a sense of community and fellowship, and to honor or memorialize current or former members.

Box 1, folders 14-16

 

Series 3: Call Agreements, 2017-2018; 2020.
This series consists of call agreements for Safe Harbor Family Church leadership accepting roles and salaries for those roles within the church.  These leaders include Charles Alan Black, Reverend Cindy Crocker, Julia Everett, Reverend Dr. Shelli Poe, and Dr. Ann Michelle Rogers-Brigham.

Box 1, folders 17-21

 

Series 4: Correspondence, 1995; 2011-2022; n.d.
This series consists of correspondence to and from leadership of Safe Harbor Family Church.  Of particular interest will be two letters from 1995 concerning the need for the formation of a new church from the Metropolitan Community Church of the Rainbow. Also included is correspondence from the United Church of Christ thanking Safe Harbor for financial contributions to their program Neighbors in Needs and other programs.

Box 1, folders 22-26

 

Series 5: Meeting Minutes.
This series is divided into two subseries, one consisting of the pastoral and parish team meeting minutes and one consisting of the board meeting minutes; These groups illustrate church involvement, leadership, business, and history.

Subseries 5.1: Pastoral and Parish Team Meeting Minutes, 1995-2000; 2018.
This subseries consists of pastoral meeting minutes for 1995, parish team and pastoral meeting minutes from 1996 through 1999, parish team meeting minutes from 2000, and Shepherd’s Task Force meetings from 2018.

Box 1, folders 28-34

Subseries 5.2: Board Meeting Minutes, 1995; 2003-2013; 2015-2018.
This subseries consists of the board of directors meeting minutes for Safe Harbor Family Church.  Of particular interest will be the first board meeting, dated July 21, 1995, which officially outlines the intention and founding of Safe Harbor Family Church.  Also of interest may be the open forum with the board of directors on March 21, 2004, which presented research to the congregation concerning a potential move to a new building, zoning laws, and other considerations.

Box 1, folders 35-41
Box 2, folders 1-10

 

Series 6: Congregational Vote to Join the United Church of Christ, 2010.
An important moment in the Safe Harbor Family Church’s history is when the congregation voted to join the United Church of Christ on August 22, 2010.  This series includes the 75 congregational ballots for this vote.  Some members voted by email, and these are included in this file as well.

Box 2, folder 11

 

Series 7: Board of Directors Elections, 2011; 2013; 2015; 2017; 2018.
The Safe Harbor Family Church membership votes for new members to join the Board of Directors. This series contains ballots for those elections, as well as the tally sheet reflecting the total votes.

Box 2, folders 12-17

 

Series 8: Worship Bulletins, 1995-2005. 
This series consists of Safe Harbor Family Church’s worship bulletins, which are given to attendees of church services upon their arrival.  These include the order of the church service program, date, hymns or songs, announcements, last Sunday’s attendance, offerings, and the monthly budget.  One children’s worship service bulletin from 2002 is included.

Box 2, folder 18
Box 3, folders 1-13

 

Series 9: Music Licensing, 2013.
This series consists of licensing records of song titled and information for music from Christian Copyright Licensing International.

Box 3, folder 14-15

 

Series 10: Calendars, 1995-2001; 2022.
Safe Harbor Family Church printed and shared with its members monthly calendars of events and programs held at the church or other locations to encourage involvement, worship, and fellowship.

Box 4, folders 1-8

 

Series 11: Flyers, 1997; 1999-2000; 2014; 2017; 2020.
This series includes a variety of flyers produced and dispersed by Safe Harbor Family Church for meetings, events, and social programs, such as a performance by Ray Boltz on September 19, 2014.  Other flyers are for the Gay/Lesbian Pride Month in June 1997 and the Annual “Gayla” Extravaganza. One flyer announces the formation of Voices of Mississippi, a secular choral group, in 2017. Lastly, there is a flyer template for the Night of Old Time Singing and BBQ Picnic in June of either 2019 or 2020.

Box 4, folders 9-13
Box 7, folder 8

 

Series 12: Church Events, 2004-2005; 2016-2018; 2020; 2022; n.d.
Included in this series is a broad range of events, including a land dedication service from October 17, 2004; Safe Harbor’s tenth anniversary in 2005; a Christmas program in 2017; and two skit scripts for holiday fundraisers in 2017 and 2018.  The church family gathered together for the marriage of Sherman David Holmes and William James Mcleod on June 20, 2020, and for a memorial service for Corinne “Sissy” Yvonne Cagle Black on February 5, 2022.

Box 4, folders 14; 17-24

 

Series 13: Newsclippings, 2011; 2020-2021; n.d.
This series consists of an issue of The Clarion-Ledger, dated October 24, 2011, which features Amber Kirkendoll and Mike Knezevich with an article about Safe Harbor Family Church joining the United Church of Christ.  Other photocopied newsclippings are about a 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr., Service and the installation of Rev. Dr. Shelli M. Poe as pastor in 2021.

Box 4, folders 15-16

 

Series 14: Photographs, 1997-1998; n.d.
This series consists of photographs taken at church programs, parades, and social events in the Jackson and Clinton area of Hinds County.  Images illustrate church membership and group activities to build and foster fellowship. For an inventory of individual photographs, visit the Safe Harbor Church Records (Z/2389) Photo Inventory.

Box 5, folders 1-10
Box 6, folders 1-12
Box 7, folders 1-7

 

Series 15: Restricted, 2010; 2012-2013; n.d.
Items include visitors’ information cards, membership lists from 2010-2017, membership “bluebook” directories from 2010 and 2013, forms of interest in church programs, and cancelled checks for chair dedications from 2012.  This series is restricted due to the inclusion of church member addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers, particularly of those who are still living.  Current Safe Harbor Family Church leadership may access this box by contacting the curator.  

Box 8, folders 1-7 (Restricted)
 

 

Box List:

Note: Materials listed as “redacted photocopy” were redacted for the presence of social security numbers.  A photocopy is in the collection with the SSN redacted.  The original document is restricted.

Box 1
Folder 1: Articles of Incorporation, July 20, 1995 (photocopy).
Folder 2: Application and receipt for Incorporation, July 21, 1995.
Folder 3: Applications, Nonprofit Status and employer Identification Number, 1995 (redacted photocopy).
Folder 4: Manifesto of Freedom, June 25, 1995 (signed original and photocopy).
Folder 5: Bylaws, July 1995 (photocopy).
Folder 6: Bylaws, Proposed revisions, June 2017.
Folder 7: Policies and procedures, Revised, October 2016.
Folder 8: Behavioral Covenant, n.d.
Folder 9: History and Second Anniversary Reflection, June 28, 1997.
Folder 10: Vision Statements, Safe Harbor Family Church UCC, October 2020.
Folder 11: Brochure, Safe Harbor Family Church, n.d.
Folder 12: Lease agreement, 2147 Henry Hill Drive, Suite 203, Jackson, MS 39209, September 29, 1995 (redacted photocopy).
Folder 13: Lease agreement, 2147 Henry Hill Drive, Suite 201, Jackson, MS 39209, September 11, 2007 (redacted photocopy).
Folder 14: Lease agreement, 1345 Flowood Drive, Flowood, MS 39232, October 5, 2010.
Folder 15: Applications for chair dedications, circa 2012.
Folder 16: Examples for chair dedications, #1-70, circa 2012.
Folder 17: Plates for chair dedications, circa 2012.
Folder 18: Call agreement, Charles Alan Black, March 4, 2018.
Folder 19: Call agreement, Reverend Cindy Crocker, March 22, 2017.
Folder 20: Call agreement, Julia Everett, February 28, 2018.
Folder 21: Call agreement, Reverend Dr. Shelli Poe, [March 1, 2020].
Folder 22: Call agreement, Dr. Ann Michelle Rogers-Brigham, February 28, 2018; 2020.
Folder 23: Correspondence, Linda C. Taunt to James Becker, August 11, 1995.
Folder 24: Correspondence, James Becker to Metropolitan Community Church of the Rainbow, December 15, 1995.
Folder 25: Correspondence, United Church of Christ, 2011-2022.
Folder 26: Correspondence, Amber Kirkendoll to Deborah Konkle-Parker, n.d.
Folder 27: Thank you cards, 2019; n.d.
Folder 28: Attendance statistics, 1995-1997; 2008-2016; 2018-2020.
Folder 29: Pastoral meeting minutes, 1995.
Folder 30: Parish team and Pastoral meeting minutes, 1996.
Folder 31: Parish team and Pastoral meeting minutes, 1997.
Folder 31: Parish team and Pastoral meeting minutes, 1998.
Folder 32: Parish team and Pastoral meeting minutes, 1999.
Folder 33: Parish team meeting minutes, 2000.
Folder 34: Shepherd’s Task Force meetings, 2018.
Folder 35: Board meeting minutes, July 21, 1995 (first board meeting).
Folder 36: Board meeting minutes, 2003.
Folder 37: Open Forum with the Board, March 21, 2004.
Folder 38: Board meeting minutes, 2004.
Folder 39: Board meeting minutes, 2005.
Folder 40: Board meeting minutes, 2006.
Folder 41: Board meeting minutes, 2007.

Box 2
Folder 1: Board meeting minutes, 2008.
Folder 2: Board meeting minutes, 2009.
Folder 3: Board meeting minutes, 2010.
Folder 4: Board meeting minutes, 2011.
Folder 5: Board meeting minutes, 2012.
Folder 6: Board meeting minutes, 2013.
Folder 7: Board meeting minutes, 2015.
Folder 8: Board meeting minutes, 2016.
Folder 9: Board meeting minutes, 2017.
Folder 10: Board meeting minutes, 2018.
Folder 11: Congregational vote to join the United Church of Christ, August 22, 2010.
Folder 12: Board of Directors election for 2012, November 2011.
Folder 13: Board of Directors election for 2014, November 2013.
Folder 14: Board of Directors election for 2016, November 2015.
Folder 15: Board of Directors special election, August 6, 2017.
Folder 16: Board of Directors election for 2018, October 15, 2017.
Folder 17: Board of Directors election for 2019, October 14, 2018.
Folder 18: Children’s Worship Service Bulletin, July 21, 2002.

Box 3
Folder 1: Worship Service Bulletins, n.d. [circa 1995].
Folder 2: Worship Service Bulletin, November 17, 1995.
Folder 3: Worship Service Bulletins, 1996.
Folder 4: Worship Service Bulletins, 1997.
Folder 5: Worship Service Bulletins, 1998.
Folder 6: Worship Service Bulletins, 1999.
Folder 7: Worship Service Bulletins, 2000.
Folder 8: Worship Service Bulletins, 2000.
Folder 9: Worship Service Bulletins, 2001.
Folder 10: Worship Service Bulletins, 2002.
Folder 11: Worship Service Bulletins, 2003.
Folder 12: Worship Service Bulletins, 2004.
Folder 13: Worship Service Bulletins, January – March 2005.
Folder 14: Licensing, Christian Copyright Licensing International, 2013.
Folder 15: Licensing, Song Titles, Christian Copyright Licensing International, 2013.

Box 4
Folder 1: Calendars, 1995.
Folder 2: Calendars, 1996.
Folder 3: Calendars, 1997.
Folder 4: Calendars, 1998.
Folder 5: Calendars, 1999.
Folder 6: Calendars, 2000.
Folder 7: Calendars, 2001.
Folder 8: Calendar, 2022.
Folder 9: Flyers, 1997.
Folder 10: Flyers, 1999.
Folder 11: Flyers, 2000.
Folder 12: Flyer, Voices of Mississippi, 2017.
Folder 13: Flyer (template), Night of Old Time Singing and BBQ Picnic, June 2, circa 2019 or 2020.
Folder 14: Marriage record, Sherman David Holmes and William James Mcleod, June 20, 2020 (photocopy).
Folder 15: Newspaper, The Clarion-Ledger, Section A, October 24, 2011.
Folder 16: Newsclippings, 2011; 2020-2021; n.d. (photocopies).
Folder 17: Presentation, “Christmas through the Carols,” 2017.
Folder 18: Program, Land Dedication Service, October 17, 2004.
Folder 19: Program, Tenth Anniversary, n.d. [circa 2005].
Folder 20: Program, Memorial Service for Corinne “Sissy” Yvonne Cagle Black, February 5, 2022.
Folder 21: Resources, 2016-2017; n.d.
Folder 22: Signs, “Big Gay Meeting,” n.d. (laminated).
Folder 23: Skit script, “We Three Kings,” Christmas party and fundraiser, 2017. 
Folder 24: Skit script, “The Real Hacienda Wives of Cozumel,” Cinco de Mayo fundraiser for Grace House, May 5, 2018.

Box 5
Folder 1: Photographs, Church event, n.d. (5 photos).
Folder 2: Photographs, Church event, n.d. (3 photos).
Folder 3: Photographs, Church event/party, n.d. (11 photos).
Folder 4: Photographs, Happy Birthday, Safe Harbor!, n.d. (3 photos).
Folder 5: Photograph, Harbor Crew group picture, n.d. (1 photo).
Folder 6: Photographs, Miscellaneous church programs, n.d. (13 photos).
Folder 7: Photographs, Miscellaneous events, n.d. (13 photos).
Folder 8: Photographs, Children’s church music programs, n.d. (20 photos).
Folder 9: Photographs, Talent show?, December 19, 1998 (6 photos).
Folder 10: Photographs, Talent show?, n.d. (18 photos).

Box 6
Folder 1: Photographs, Drag show?, n.d. (9 photos).
Folder 2: Photographs, The Fabulous 50s Party, n.d. (5 photos).
Folder 3: Photographs, Beach trip, n.d. (10 photos).
Folder 4: Photographs, Boat and Fishing trip, n.d. (8 photos).
Folder 5: Photographs, Camping trip, n.d. (4 photos).
Folder 6: Photographs, Dog-walking, n.d. (2 photos).
Folder 7: Photographs, Group hiking trip, n.d. (4 photos).
Folder 8: Photographs, Group rafting trip, n.d. (4 photos).
Folder 9: Photographs, Group trip, n.d. (4 photos).
Folder 10: Photographs, Outdoor event, n.d. (2 photos).
Folder 11: Photographs, Park picnic, January 1998 (5 photos).
Folder 12: Photographs, Park visit, n.d. (12 photos).

Box 7
Folder 1: Photographs, Memphis Pride Parade?, 1997 (5 photos).
Folder 2: Photographs, Parade, n.d. (4 photos).
Folder 3: Photographs, St. Paddy’s Day Parade, Jackson, MS, n.d. (11 photos).
Folder 4: Photographs, Best buddies adventures, part 1, n.d. (5 Polaroids).
Folder 5: Photographs, Best buddies adventures, part 2, n.d. (10 Polaroids).
Folder 6: Photographs, Best friends adventures, n.d. (9 Polaroids).
Folder 7: Photographs, Family adventures, n.d. (8 Polaroids).
Folder 8: Flyers, Ray Boltz concert, September 19, 2014.

Box 8
This box is restricted due to the inclusion of church member addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers, particularly of those who are still living.  Current Safe Harbor Family Church leadership may access this box by contacting the curator.
Folder 1: Visitors’ Information cards (photocopies).
Folder 2: Membership lists, 2010-2017; n.d.
Folder 3: Membership directory, “Bluebook”, 2010 (2 copies).
Folder 4: Membership directory, “Bluebook”, 2013 (2 copies).
Folder 5: Forms, Interest in church programs, n.d.
Folder 6: Cancelled checks for chair dedications, 2012.
Folder 7: Duplicates.