First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) founded in Philadelphia, PA.

On the 100th anniversary, the congregation lays cornerstone for its gothic-style church which accommodates 1,000 members.

The congregation membership peaks at 2,000.

Philadelphia’s middle class moves to the suburbs. FUMCOG loses half of its members, but remains in the community.

Rev. Theodore Loder installed as Senior Pastor.

Rev. Loder and the congregation participate in civil rights marches and Vietnam War protests.

Rev. Loder declares FUMCOG a Public Sanctuary for refugees from Guatemala after Reagan administration refuses to grant asylum.

FUMCOG declares itself a Reconciling Church, affirming the full participation of gay, bi-sexual, lesbian, and transgender persons in the life the church.

Rev. Beth Stroud appointed as Associate Pastor.

Rev. Ted Loder retires as Senior Pastor after 37 years of service.

Rev. Stroud and her partner are joined in a commitment ceremony.

Rev. Fred Day installed as Senior Pastor.

Alan and Susan Raymond begin filming THE CONGREGATION.

Rev. Stroud escorts Senior Youth Group to Appalachia Service Project.

Outside consultants arrive to conduct listening sessions to evaluate the direction of the church.

FUMCOG members participate in anti-war March in Washington, DC protesting the upcoming invasion of Iraq.

Rev. Stroud announces to her church committee her intention to reveal her sexual identity to the congregation.

Steering Committee meeting receives preliminary report from listening sessions.

Rev. Stroud meets with support committee to discuss plans to manage possible opposition from membership and greater United Methodist Community.

Rev. Stroud delivers her sermon, “Walking in the Light,” declaring herself an “openly-lesbian, fully credentialed United Methodist Minister” to the congregation.

Final Steering Committee Meeting. Committee decides to make changes in order of worship and to endorse Rev. Day as Senior Pastor.

Dialogue Center presents findings to entire congregation and receives mixed reactions.

Rev. Stroud meets with Bishop Peter D. Weaver who counsels her on making a decision to either leave the church or seek a clergy trial.

Rev. Day announces his decision not to seek re-appointment when his term ends in July, 2005.

Bishop Weaver files a formal complaint against Rev. Stroud.

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Committee on Investigation votes 5-3 for the holding of a church trial to determine if Stroud is in violation of the United Methodist Book of Discipline.

Congregation begins search for a new minister.

Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel, chosen to oversee Rev. Stroud’s clergy trial, declares the previous committee’s decision “null and void” due to the participation of laypersons in the vote.

Final Interview with Rev. Day.

Rev. Stroud is found guilty at a clergy trial and loses her ministerial credentials.

THE CONGREGATION premieres on PBS.