After being asked to leave the Moravian Church, the Church of the Beloved Disciple found a new home at the West Side Discussion Group, where it celebrated worship in the fall of 1973. The congregation's move reflects the challenges faced by…
On November 1, 1972, the Church of the Beloved Disciple held its first service at the Moravian Church on Lexington Avenue, marking the congregation's second worship location since its founding.
Members of the Church of the Beloved Disciple carry the congregation's banner during New York City's annual Pride Parade, circa late 1970s - early 1980s. The church marched each year as an openly Christian presence within the LGBTQ movement,…
Members of the Church of the Beloved Disciple march beneath the congregation's name banner and the heraldic standard during New York City's annual Pride Parade, circa late 1970s - early 1980s. By this time, the church had become a familiar presence…
English writer and gay icon Quentin Crisp (center) rides with Bishop John Darcy Noble (left) and Bishop Robert Mary Clement (right) in the Church of the Beloved Disciple's lead convertible during the 13th Annual Gay Pride Day March in New York City…
The Church of the Beloved Disciple's float during a New York City Gay Pride march, circa late 1970s - early 1980s, featured clergy in episcopal vestments beneath the congregation's distinctive floral cross. Prominently displayed was the coat of arms…
The Church of the Beloved Disciple's float at the Seventh Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day March commemorated the thirtieth anniversary (1946–1976) of Archbishop George Augustine Hyde's Eucharistic Catholic Church. Featuring congregation…
A closer view of the Church of the Beloved Disciple's float during the Sixth Annual Gay Pride Day March (Gay Liberation Day) in New York City on June 29, 1975. Decorated as a processional chapel and crowned with the sign "Beloved Disciple Parish,"…
Clergy of the Church of the Beloved Disciple process ahead of the congregation's float during the Sixth Annual Gay Pride Day March (Gay Liberation Day) in New York City on June 29, 1975. From left to right are Fr. Leo (partially visible), Fr. John…
Carried by members of the Church of the Beloved Disciple during the Fifth Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 30, 1974, this processional banner features heraldic imagery created by the Church of the Beloved Disciple in honor of…
Fr. Leo speaks with a member of the Church of the Beloved Disciple in Sheep Meadow following the Fifth Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 30, 1974. Surrounding them are the church's processional banners and heraldic standard,…
Members of the Church of the Beloved Disciple process through Midtown Manhattan during the Fifth Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 30, 1974. Marching beneath processional crosses, banners, and the church's heraldic standard, the…
Fr. Robert Mary Clement leads members of the Church of the Beloved Disciple during the Fourth Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day March and Rally on June 24, 1973. Flanking the processional banner of St. John the Beloved are John Darcy Noble…
Fr. Robert Mary Clement stands outside the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street with members of the Church of the Beloved Disciple carrying a processional banner depicting St. John the Beloved during the Fourth Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day…
On July 19, 1970, Father Robert M. Clement celebrated the first public Mass of the newly founded Church of the Beloved Disciple at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Manhattan. Attended by an estimated 600 to 800 people, the liturgy offered an…
Watch archival footage of Robert M. Clement marching in the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March and later appearing with John Darcy Noble in Sheep Meadow, where Clement describes the Church of the Beloved Disciple as a sacramental Catholic…
Explore the NYC LGBTQ Historic Sites entry documenting the route, starting point, and historical significance of New York City’s first Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 28, 1970.
Robert M. Clement and John Darcy Noble stand in Sheep Meadow following the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 28, 1970, beneath a hand-painted sign proclaiming, "Gay People, This Is Your Church." Earlier that day, Clement carried…
Flyer for the first NYC Pride Parade, then called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, held in New York, New York, on June 28, 1970, to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.