Martin Koehler Papers

Collection

Identifier: NC1360

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains materials from the Metropolitan Community Church of the Sierras (MMC of the Sierras) such as programs, Board of Directors minutes, annual reports, brochures, membership lists, etc. Also included are items from the 1st National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place on October 14, 1979, in Washington, D. C.

Dates

1979-2005
Majority of material found within 1979-1991

Creator

Koehler, Martin A. (Creator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Materials must be used on-site; advance notice suggested. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Biographical Note

Martin Koehler was a member of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Sierras and a northern Nevada gay rights activist. Koehler joined the MCC of the Sierras soon after the church was established in Reno, Nevada, around 1986.

The Metropolitan Community Church was originally founded as a non-denominational church in Los Angeles, California in 1968. The church quickly spread across the United States. In late 1985 or early 1986, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Sierras began holding services at members' homes, then moved to 120 Thoma Street in Reno. Koehler was involved in creating programs for the worship services as well as participating in other aspects of the MCC.

In addition to his involvement in the MCC, Koehler also was a gay rights activist. He was one of the few individuals from northern Nevada who attended the October 1979 March on Washington. He traveled by train to Washington, D. C. to attend the March.

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Martin Koehler was a member of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Sierra and a northern Nevada gay rights activist. The collection contains posters, newspaper clippings, meeting minutes, and brochures regarding the Church as well as other gay rights activities in which Koehler participated.