About Taylor Church

Formerly known as Taylor Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, Taylor Church was the first "African American" church of its denomination in Northern California. The Charter granted on October 29, 1921, was the direct result of years of prayer, sacrifice and determination by our twenty-two founders.

These devout men and women, from throughout the United States, came to Oakland seeking a better life for themselves and those who were to follow. The impact that Taylor Church had upon the community is a testament to the Founder's hard work and religious status in Oakland, the state and the nation.

The church became a United Methodist Church by denominational merger in 1968.

Taylor has continued to grow in its membership and service to the Greater Bay Area community. Through many years of service Taylor has been blessed to have spiritually uplifting pastors, dedicated Christian members, and outstanding religious services and programs.

Taylor's dedicated membership of 700 + persons is a cross section of people from all walks of life who support the church with their tithes, prayers and talents.

 

• The church is named for Bishop William Taylor, one of the first Missionaries to Africa. It was he who sent seeds of the Eucalyptus trees from Australia to a California Horticulturist on the Pacific Coast. His grave is an "historic site" in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.
• There were twenty-two Founders (eleven men and eleven women). The first name chosen by the Founders was the "Bishop Jones Literary Society."
• The first minister was the Reverend Albert L. Scott.
• To date Taylor has had ten ordained, highly qualified and deeply religious ministers. They provided excellent leadership and many effective programs.
• A "Contemporary Worship Service" is held on the third Sunday of every month at 10:00 a.m. This is a "Dress Down Sunday" service and offers contemporary singing and rousing Praise of the Lord!
• There are two dynamic adult choirs- The Celestial Choir and The Unity Choir. They provide religious, contemporary and traditional music. 
• Taylor Memorial United Methodist Homes is a subsidized housing development for low-income people of all nationalities, as well as older citizens who are members of the church.
• The Taylor Memorial Federal Credit Union was organized and is owned and operated by members of Taylor. It serves members and non-members.
• The United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women organizations network with men and women on the local and the national levels.
• The appointment of Reverend Ron Swisher, Taylor's tenth Senior Pastor, marks the first time that a former member of Taylor has returned to serve the church as Senior Pastor.