In 1920 a group of dedicated Methodist Episcopal parishoners began meeting in homes under the direction of Mrs. Georgia St. Cyr Robinson, an ordained deaconess from Dallas, Texas. They were:

              Willie Mae Meade                                Ella Nurse

              Phoebe Lewis                                      Emma Mays 

              Ida Miller                                            Charles Miller

              S.J. Duncan                                        Sammie Lewis 

              Georgia St. Cyr Robinson                    Claira Broadnax

              Waymon Robinson                              T.J. Jefferson

              Maggie Obee                                      Velma Meade 

              Gertrude Garnes                                 Melissa Byrd

              Bob Robinson                                     Ruben Matthews

              Dad Hamilton                                      Jack Anthony

                                                                        D.J. Jones

This group was interested in organizing a Methodist Episcopal church in Oakland, California. They chose the name of the “Bishop Jones Literary Society” for their organization and grew into a mission of the Methodist Church.

On March 30, 1921 the Bishop Jones Literary Society met at 8:00 P.M. in the Community House at 8^th and Chestnut Streets. President D.J. Jones, presided. The roll was called and ten members responded. President Jones introduced the Reverend Milnes, District Superintendent of Oakland.

The first Christian meeting was held in 1921 at Carpenter’s Hall with presiding Elder Milnes in charge. Services were held each Sunday at 11:00 A.M. with ministers supplied by Elder Milnes.

On July 13, 1921, the second religious service was held. It was motioned by L.V. Taylor and seconded by J.C. Anthony that a committee should be appointed to contact District Superintendent Milnes relative to the appointment of a pastor. Committee members appointed were: D.J. Jones; Mrs. Obee; Mrs. Robinson; C.E. Ware and J.C. Anthony. At this meeting the minister’s salary of $100.00 per month was approved as well as the cost to purchase whatever furniture

was needed.

Communications were sent to several ministers in this regard. At the third meeting on September 10, 1921, a letter was read from Dr. Samuel Bean of Hamilton Church in Los Angeles, California, stating that he would be present on September 17, 1921 to conduct a financial campaign for the group in order that they might raise funds to provide transportation for a minister. The financial campaign was successful.

During this period, Mayor Taylor of Alameda, California, gave generously to help erect the first building for Taylor Church. At his request, the name Taylor was selected in memory of his father, the late Bishop William Taylor.

On October 29, 1921, the fourth meeting was held. District Superintendent Milnes presided. He congratulated the group and stated that they had now grown to a membership of 56 and wished to know if they wanted to choose a full-time minister. The vote was affirmative.

Reverend Albert Scott became the first minister to serve as pastor. He served from 1921 - 1924. Under Reverend Scott’s administration people of all races were attracted to Taylor as visitors. Reverend Scott was a well-educated and qualified minister. He was followed by Reverend John Wesley Thomas and  Reverend George Carter. The church thrived and grew slowly but steadily under the dedicated, efficient and able leadership of these ministers. Their expertise and leadership abilities, along with the support of our twenty-two loyal founders and the small but devoted membership of 35 persons, laid a firm foundation for those pastors and members who were to follow.