On July 12, 1970, the pioneering Church of the Beloved Disciple, "a church for gay people," held its first Sunday afternoon service at Chelsea's Church of Holy Apostles NYC, thanks to the parish's Episcopalian rector, Father Robert Weeks. Beloved Disciple was founded by Father Robert M. Clement, a former priest in the Polish National Catholic Church and the first openly gay priest to participate in the Christopher Street Liberation Day March (today's NYC Pride) in June 1970; and his lover, John Noble. Clement began to officiate over same-sex “holy union” ceremonies at Holy Apostles in June 1970. Learn more at www.nyclgbtsites.org. Photo: Church of the Beloved Disciples float, "World's First Gay Catholic Church," in the 1978 NYC Gay Pride March, via the @lesbianherstoryarchives. #nyclgbtsites