Houston Burnside Jr. says his journey to the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) came after a meeting with his Baptist pastor in 1984 when he was “politely directed … that I was no longer welcomed there as an openly gay man.”
Burnside retired Dec. 31 as staff pastor at the MCC San Diego church following 25 years and five months of ministry. He was given a standing ovation Dec. 28 by church members at his last official service and received a beautiful artisan vase.
He was also honored with a letter of recognition from Mayor Kevin Faulconer and a proclamation from Third District Councilman Todd Gloria. Former pastors Rev. David Farrell and Rev. Tony Freeman also sent letters, part of which were read in church.
Burnside got married June 8, 2014 to his partner Bruno in a ceremony performed by Senior Pastor Dan Koeshall. Bruno and Houston have known each for 30 years and they had a holy union service before same-sex marriage became legal in California.
“Our love for each other never went away,” said Burnside in a Jan. 6 interview.
“I’m so glad it was God’s path for you to be here,” said Koeshall to Burnside Dec. 28. “I thank you for your many words of encouragement.”
“To say it’s been a joy would be a total understatement,” said Burnside. “I look forward to my new relationship as a congregant,” adding that he will remain an active MCC member.
Burnside’s father, Houston Burnside Sr. was a Baptist minister and his son was active in a Baptist Church near San Diego State University where he graduated and also where his father later worked as a professor.
Burnside told San Diego LGBT Weekly he was talking with his Baptist pastor in 1984 when he was told his lifestyle “was not acceptable … and not a valid part of Christian life.” He said he attended his first service at MCC in November 1984, and became staff pastor in August 1989.
Before MCC, Burnside was a sergeant in the Air Force during a nearly four year military career. He developed a collapsed lung and surgery was scheduled in a Veteran’s Administration hospital. Burnside suffered a spinal cord injury during the surgery and was initially almost totally paralyzed at age 25.
His father told LGBT Weekly he was hospitalized for nine months and gradually got some feeling in his upper body, but he couldn’t move his legs. Burnside received a medical discharge as well as a civil disability settlement as a result of the hospital’s mistake.
Burnside has used a wheelchair ever since. He has a specially equipped van that he is able to drive and used it in visitations even to meet with someone in jail.
As a result of the settlement, Burnside was able to work for MCC without taking a salary for most of his tenure. “He felt he had enough to get along with and he didn’t want to burden the church,” said his father.
“He’s a very generous guy,” said attorney Jude Litzenberger.
Pastor Houston, as he was fondly called, mentioned his life altering event in sermons and talked about not becoming bitter over life’s obstacles. Numerous members described him as inspirational.
Burnside said his retirement is “a wonderful opportunity for others to step forward.”
Houston Burnside Jr. said every Sunday he had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to be at MCC by 8 a.m. In retirement, he hopes to get up later.
“Through his overcoming adversity, he has brought hope and inspiration to countless people,” said Koeshall in a statement. “He has been an advocate for accessibility and a voice for the voiceless. God has uniquely gifted every one of us and I’m so glad for the gift of Rev. Houston Burnside Jr.”
