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W.F. Meyer

Renowned astronomer and professor at the University of California at Berkeley, Dr. Meyer was prominent in the work of Northbrae for over twenty years.  In speaking of him, Rev. Cross states: “If one person were to be named the ‘pillar’ of our church, it would, by unanimous consent, be Dr. Meyer.  His saintliness of character, his self-sacrificing service, and his simple faith, which he never felt was out of keeping with his work as a scientist, are an inspiration to all of us.”

 

Frank S. Brush

Frank Brush, a Presbyterian minister, founded Northbrae Community Church.  Under his ministry, Northbrae Community Church grew in one decade from a handful of people meeting in a private home to a church of 500 and a Sunday School numbering 1,500.  Frank Brush guided Northbrae with the idea that all the great historic creeds of Christianity could be represented in our congregation.

 

Albert Einstein

The principal founder of 20th century theoretical physics, Albert Einstein’s revolutionized our understanding of the universe.  Recognized as one of the most creative intellects in human history, he believed in an exactly engineered universe and a God “who reveals himself in the harmony of what exists.”  With his “Special Theory of Relativity” and “General Theory of Relativity,” plus a bold new declaration about the nature of light, he shattered the Newtonian paradigm of a “clockwork universe.”  While science and technology was giving the world many new things, its assumptions perpetuated the idea that the universe could be explained only by cause and effect.  Einstein made possible the current dialogue between mysticism and physics where each is finding a consilience with the affirmations of the other.

Mahatma Gandhi

Leader of the Indian National Movement, Mahatma Gandhi, employed the principle of nonviolence and non-cooperation to achieve social and political change in India.  Through these means, he protested British sedition laws and eventually enabled India to become a free and independent nation.  He is thus known as the “father” of India, setting a religious and moral standard for Indian life.  “Mahatma” means “Great Soul.”  He was raised with Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu), which has deep roots in Jainism.  With emphasis on vegetarianism, fasting and self-purification, it is a faith that fosters tolerance and a deep reverence for life.  Its ethic is not harming any living thing (ahimsa).  His principle of nonviolence with non-cooperation has deeply influenced civil rights movements all over the world.  Preaching from Hindu, Moslem, and Christian scriptures, he invites all people to unite under God.