Marking the Moments: A Living Timeline of Racial Justice at Wilshire
As shared in April, Wilshire’s In Deed and Truth cohort continues its work with the St. Charles Center for Faith + Action and E Pluribus Unum, deepening our study of how predominantly white congregations engage the work of justice in tangible and faithful ways.
As part of this journey, a new installation is now on display in both the South Lobby and James Gallery. Marking the Moments is a visual timeline tracing Wilshire’s engagement with racial justice over the decades.
This timeline is both a record and an invitation. It highlights significant moments in Wilshire’s story as we’ve sought to follow Christ in confronting racism and promoting equity. Covering the congregation’s 74-year history, the timeline reflects the ways Wilshire has shown up, sometimes imperfectly, in the long work of justice and reconciliation.
The display begins with a land acknowledgment, recognizing that the ground we gather on today bears a history older than our congregation and was shaped by the stories of Indigenous peoples and enslaved persons. This grounds us and reminds us that justice begins with honesty — and that our faith calls us to remember, repent and repair.
We invite you to stop by the South Lobby or James Gallery to explore Marking the Moments — and not just to read, but to contribute. You’ll find space to add your own recollections, stories or reflections about Wilshire’s journey with racial justice. Whether it’s a personal memory, a turning point or a hope for our future, your voice matters. This timeline is not meant to be static, but a living testament to the Spirit’s movement among us.
Let us continue to mark these moments — past, present and still to come — with humility and hope.
• Wilshire’s IDAT team includes Abbey Adcox, Juliana Moore, Louis Moore, Shelby Patterson and Margaret Rice.