HIGH GEAR/JANUARY 1978

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CHURCH DIVIDED

By Terrence McCormick

had been a permanent call from all the members for their services as spiritual leaders of the church. They were two of the several candidates considered for the position. The Rev. Shawn Ferrell had also been asked to consider the Akron assignment but she was unable to make a committment to the gay community because of pressing ministerial responsibilities in Dallas where she served as copastor. She did however, indicate that as of January 1, 1978, she would be available for the pastorship of Akron Community Metropolitan Church.

Ten years ago, gay Christians had no church where they could feel comfortable worshipping as gay men and lesbian women. There was no special ministry particularly sympathetic to the guilt and fear so many felt, the torture and desperation we experienced as we tried to reconcile our unique situation with the perception of a vindictive and avenging deity bent on eternally punishing us for the manner in which we choose to love. Today, over 25,000 people affiliate with the Metropolitan Community Church founded by Rev. Ferrell is now in Akron the Rev. Troy Perry. The only and leads the Cascade Comchartered Metropolitan Community Church, the organization munity Church in northern Ohio is in Akron. This church will celebrate its second anniversary as a chartered church later this month.

Unfortunately, this happy occasion is marred by a split which has recently occurred in the Church. Early in 1977, about 112 people were listed on the church roster. A year ago this month the pastor, Rev. Stan Roberts, departed his pulpit in Akron to assume leadership of a larger congregation in San Jose. For almost eight months the Akron church was without a pastor.

In September the Rev. Angie Umbertino and Rev. Karen Wheeler moved to Akron from California on what they thought

recently set up by the dissident members who objected to the personnel and policies of Metropolitan Community Church headed by Rev. Wheeler and Rev. Umbertino.

The new church was deemed a necessity after a meeting held on December 18th. The Rev. John Hose, an Elder in the administration of Metropolitan Community Church nationally was flown in to moderate the meeting. Rev. Hose suggested that the entire board of the church resign and that new elections be held. At the meeting, the two ministers offered their resignations. A vote was called and 31 members elected to retain the two women as heads of the church, 28 voted

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to accept their resignations.

The election would seem to settle the question of the leadership of MCC in Akron except for the charges by some that the entire membership of the church (112 people) had not been notified of the crucial vote. Some 50 or so members have not been accounted for and some of these feel that they have been unfairly and improperly purged from the church roster. Had all MCC members participated in the election, the outcome could have been decidedly different.

This disharmony is distressing to those of us who labor to forge a united gay community in order that thru these united efforts we can materially advance the cause of gay rights and effectively assist the movement. We can only hope that all the members of the Akron gay community who believe in the Metropolitan Community concept will strive in this year to amicably settle the differences that divide them. The gay movement which is So desperately in need of financial support can ill afford the dual expense that results in maintaining two churches each to serve about 35 to 50 gay brothers and sisters.

As Metropolitan Community Church has sought to reconcile the gay with his God, so may the Akron Church, in a spirit of understanding and Christian concern, work to mend this split.

EATING OUT

By FRED

Eating out for many, is done only on special occasions....birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc. Others eat out on a regular basis as part of their every-day existence. And then, there are all those people who fit somewhere in-between. Gay people fit more often than not into the two latter categories due to the unique lifestyle we lead. "The little lady," as many straight men still refer to their wives and lovers, is totally absent from our way of living and therefore not around to have dinner on the table every day or whatever. Many of us live alone, and needless to say, the gourmet cooks among us are usually the exception, not the rule. This column then is for all of us who tend to eat out more than in. In it, I will try to give a review on two or three eating establishments each issue...from a gay perspective. I'll tell you about the food, service, decorlatmosphere, and ambience of the place in general. Also, the type of reception two gay guys eating out received, if in fact it appears to be different to myself or any eating companion(s) than the treatment the same establishment would give to a straight person, couple, or party.

At this point, let me remind you that what I put into this column will be my observation derived from my own and sometimes my eating companion's experiences. They will be guidelines, hopefully written а worm in a manner that will be

tertaining.

even in-

Conveniently located in what is probably one of the largest concentrations of gay residences in Ohio is the Shaker Square Restaurant. Basically, a diner planted right beside the rapid tracks on the western edge of the Square, it looks about as far removed from the surrounding somewhat tarnished, but still elegant, establishments that dominate the area. You can't miss it!

T

The menu consists of a little something for everyone and so does the local entertainment of which there is plenty. Available is a fairly large selection of sandwiches, a la carte items, and, typical breakfast fare eggs, sausage, etc., along with several standard, mostly meat-oriented, entrees. We usually find ourselves there for "breakfast," be it at 10 a.m. or 5 p.m. (You know how those Saturday nights can sometimes be.) So, eggs or omelettes are usually the order of the day. However, don't expect to get food on the Breakfast Specials after 11 a.m., unless you want to go a la carte on every item which almost costs twice as much. In the case of breakfast after 11, the omelettes are way on the bottom in the middle, and don't forget to try the "homemade blintzes." Sometimes

sometimes they're bad burnt on they're good, the outside. The bagel that i usually get also has on numerous occasions been more than gently toasted, and my in-

structions to the waitress, "tell them not to burn the bagel" usually go unheeded either with a controlled grimace or a smile..depending probably on whether or not she is having a bad time with: a) the cop or maintenance worker who is clumsily trying to pick her up, b) the poor Shaker Hts. mother with the five kids who would possibly have been at a hair appointment had she not given the maid or nanny the day off, c) the old lady who is sometimes at the desk and likes to blame the waitresses for her addition mistakes, which are numerous when dealing with anything over a dollar. Al! the selections are plain but passable and service is generally goodnatured and prompt when circumstances will permit. Management doesn't want you occupying that booth or stool any longer that you do.

The coffee's better than most, the rapid is steps away from the front door and the shoes on the short waitress with the electricred hair make this a place worth stopping at. Of course, I wouldn't delay a trip to Key West for it, but then...... VITAL STATISTICS

Food:

Basic diner selection w/deli items mixed in Fair to Good Atmosphere/Decor: doesn't ap-

some in this category, but still cheap. Reservations: only if you want to be incredible

Hours: 6 a.m. 8 p.m. Mon. through Fri.

7 a.m. 7:30/8 p.m. Sat. 7 a.m.7:30/8 p.m. Sun

on the side...

Speaking of incredible only in a much different vein, Uncle Charlie's Restaurant, for those who may be getting to NYC, is operated as a gay restaurant, and a great place to see or beEast Side New York even if only for an evening. Located on 36th and Third Ave., this smart restaurant and bar (one of three Uncle Charlie's locations in NYC) is a favorite spot with distinguished East Side types, celebrities (I heard that Rex Reed reads there when in New York.), and lots of very attractive, well-groomed people. I had the pleasure of dining there recently, once during the week and again on New Year's Eve. Both times were more than enjoyable.

The extensive, yet not overly done, regular menu offers around a half dozen appetizers mostly seafood and soups. The entrees are just about split between meat dishes and seafoods

ply. Although there are nice-leaning slightly toward the latshades on the windows and a couple plants, the atmosphere is the people inside and on the Square, et vos con nos

Prices: not as inexpensive as

ter. I had the veal marsalla w/spaghetti, the veal being just slightly overdone but otherwise very good. My host chose the

lamb chops which came out plump and beautifully prepared with garnishes. Our waiter and a couple of the other waiters for that matter, were absolutely attentive giving us a complete rundown with explanations of the evenings specials not on the menu. They saw to our needs before, during and after our meal, and were just charming all around. Try to reserve a table on one of the upper level platforms. It's easier to see everything that way!

VITAL STATISTICS Food: Continental w/some specifically French and Italian inspirations ... great drinks and good wine selection Atmosphere/Decor: A strange but interesting mixture of rough and polished woods, mirrors, large white pots, some plants, and all in two comfortable but by no means, large rooms. The decor may be questionable, but the clientele is for the most part a class act.

Prices: moderately high, but worth it...you're in New York City

Credit: most major cards accepted

Reservations: a good idea even during the week

Hours: I had too good of a time to ask...check it out!

Juice WILDE OSCAR IS COMINGS:16