How did the church get her name?

Joseph Andrew Beebe was the name of the 4th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (formally Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, South) in March 19, 1873. He was reared in North Carolina and spent most of his ministry there before he became apart of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Before joining the CME church he was a part of the historic African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where he brought years of practical experience and know-how. He was strong in counseling in the ways of the Church and in the Spirit of God. He was recognized within the CME denomination as a great expansionist and church growth leader of his day. As a result of his footprint in Christian Methodism the cathedral was name after him. The Cathedral portion of the name mean in its literal translation is an “important church,” one containing “the seat of the Bishop”. The role of the cathedral is chiefly to serve God in the community. Therefore her name is Beebe Memorial Cathedral.

Background of Beebe Memorial Cathedral

Beebe Memorial Cathedral began with the vision held by a small group of Christians to create the First Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Mission Church in Oakland, California in 1925. A small building purchased on 37th Street in Oakland became the first official place of worship for Beebe Memorial Cathedral (BMC) and within those four walls the seeds of worship, stewardship and service were planted. The vision for the BMC community grew and in 1958 the land, which now holds the current Cathedral, was acquired in order to construct a facility that could serve as a place that could accommodate growth and enhance services being provided to the community and conference.

On April 17, 1966, the congregation of BMC gathered at 598 31st Street, Oakland to begin the Grand March to its new church site which included a main Sanctuary with balcony seating; Pastor's Study; Bishop's Office; Associate Minister's Office; Stewards' and Trustees Room; Sacristy; Choir Room (with rehearsal space and robe storage); Ushers' Room; First Aid station; soundproof Mothers' Room; and two Lounges. The adjoining Education Facility houses a Chapel; 22 Classrooms; Church Office; Library; Sunday School Office; Day Care Center; Social Hall; and complete Kitchen Facilities. Several pastors have served BMC from its beginning but the most noted was the Rev. Dr. L. S. White who was responsible for building the cathedral in 1966.

Over the years, Beebe Memorial Cathedral has become one of Oakland’s premier houses of worship. However, not unlike other houses of faith, it has experienced peaks and valleys in its membership and level of community service. Under the present leadership of Reverend, Dr. Charley Hames, Jr., BMC continues to march forward and expand its vision of translating God’s word into God’s work. In less than five years the energy and commitment of Rev. Dr. Hames and the BMC leadership team is evident. Under his leadership, the church has received more than 500 souls for Christ and has quadrupled its income helping the church become a healthy and viable part of the community. He has also brought to share in ministry, five gospel-recording artists and Christian comedy shows.

Recognizing that true ministry can’t happen only within the walls of the Cathedral it was understood that there was a need to move beyond the borders of 3900 Telegraph to reach out and address the emergent needs of young people in our community. In 2007 the Empowerment Community Development Corporation was birthed from a vision held by our servant leadership and out of a desire to provide access to needed resources and supports to empower youth in North Oakland and Bay Area.

In addition to revitalizing its witness, BMC has opened its doors to many community and non-profit organizations of the Bay Area. Life is a Cathedral Experience—is the current theme and its resultant energy has been evidenced throughout the congregation. With the creation of the new Family Life Center the Cathedral Experience will be known by the entire Bay Area community and will serve as a model for faith communities around the nation.