The MCC movement reached Augusta, Georgia in 1987. Robert Morris was transferred to Augusta with his job. His partner at that time, Mick Hinson, felt a call to begin a church in this area. They enlisted their friend, Deborah Ivins to assist in this ministry and began to gather interested people. The first worship service was on November 28, 1987. At that time, we were known as MCC Augusta. We are a member congregation in a denomination called Metropolitan Community Churches — an international fellowship of Christian churches with a special outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
In the first years of MCC Augusta, our outreach was focused primarily on the LGBT Community. However, we are keenly aware that there are many straight people who would deeply appreciate what we offer– i.e., a vibrant congregation that loves Jesus, but also embraces diversity and independent thought. We are now very intentional about welcoming all people – straight or gay.
We have touched the lives of hundreds of individuals and made many friends in the community. The church has a supportive relationship with The Unitarian Universalist Churches of Augusta and Aiken SC, Saint Helena’s Episcopal Convent, and Saint Stephen’s Ministry who have sheltered and supported us on the journey. In the fall of 2000, Metropolitan Community Church of Augusta officially changed the name to the Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer (MCCOR), and we purchased our permanent home at 557 Greene Street in November 2003.
Rev. Jeff Pullium, who served as the part-time pastor of MCC of Our Redeemer from 1994 until his retirement in April 2012, led the church during a time of significant growth. He now holds the title of Pastor Emeritus and still resides in Augusta with his partner of over 26 years, Roy Lewis.
In August of 2012, Rev. Lisa Heilig was appointed by Rev. Elder Lillie Brock as the full-time Intentional Interim Pastor. Rev. Heilig facilitated a process of discovery and discernment to move us boldly into the future God has for us with full-time leadership. Her contract ended in April 2014. We currently see an average Sunday attendance of about 60-70, and hope to continue to grow and expand our ministries and programs.
In June 2014, Rev. Rick Sosbe was elected as the first full-time permanent pastor of MCC of Our Redeemer and served until 2017. At that time, Rev. Marc Trimm-Bryant became the interim pastor until Rev. Dr. Gail Atchison arrived in February 2018.