The CRH was formed in 1964 by Glide Memorial Methodist Church, as well as Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) founders Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin.
With the support of the Methodist church, McIlvenna convened the Mill Valley Conference from May 31 to June 2, 1964, at which sixteen Methodist, Protestant Episcopal, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran clergymen met with thirteen leaders of the homosexual community, including DOB members Cleo Bonner, Pat Walker, Billye Talmadge, Phyllis Lyon, and Del Martin.
[4] This event has been called "San Francisco's Stonewall" by some historians;[4] the participation of such prominent litigators in the defense of Smith, Donaldson and the other two lawyers marked a turning point in gay rights on the West Coast of the United States.
[5] In 1965, CRH held an event where local politicians could be questioned about issues concerning gay and lesbian people, including police intimidation.
The event marks the first known instance of "the gay vote" being sought, which led lesbian activist Barbara Gittings to say "It was remarkable.