History of Maranatha Christian Center
Maranatha Christian Center (MCC) was founded in 1987 by Dr. Tony Williams in San Jose, California. From its inception, MCC has been a nondenominational church dedicated to uplifting the name of Jesus Christ while fostering a deep commitment to serving the community, city, and world. Under Dr. Williams’ visionary leadership, the church grew into a beacon of hope and restoration, meeting the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of its congregation and the greater community.
During its formative years, MCC established itself as a place of faith, teaching, and outreach, attracting a diverse congregation reflective of San Jose's multicultural fabric. Dr. Williams, affectionately known as Pastor Tony, emphasized the church's mission of compassion and action beyond its walls. This focus led to the development of community-focused programs, including food pantries, clothing closets, and youth mentoring initiatives that addressed the holistic needs of families and individuals.
In addition to spiritual guidance, MCC became a cornerstone of support for vulnerable populations. Programs like B.O.O.K. (Building Our Own Kids) provided critical resources such as tutoring, homework assistance, and technology training for K-12 students, empowering young people to thrive academically. Annual outreach events, including holiday food and toy drives, further solidified MCC's reputation as a church deeply rooted in service and generosity.
During its formative years, MCC established itself as a place of faith, teaching, and outreach, attracting a diverse congregation reflective of San Jose's multicultural fabric. Dr. Williams, affectionately known as Pastor Tony, emphasized the church's mission of compassion and action beyond its walls. This focus led to the development of community-focused programs, including food pantries, clothing closets, and youth mentoring initiatives that addressed the holistic needs of families and individuals.
In addition to spiritual guidance, MCC became a cornerstone of support for vulnerable populations. Programs like B.O.O.K. (Building Our Own Kids) provided critical resources such as tutoring, homework assistance, and technology training for K-12 students, empowering young people to thrive academically. Annual outreach events, including holiday food and toy drives, further solidified MCC's reputation as a church deeply rooted in service and generosity.
A Legacy of Leadership
For over 34 years, Pastor Tony Williams faithfully shepherded MCC, creating a vibrant ministry that spanned local and international borders. His leadership extended far beyond the pulpit, including volunteer chaplaincy roles at the Santa Clara County Jail, San Quentin State Prison, and San Jose Police Department. Pastor Tony's passion for missions also led him to minister globally, reaching communities across Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, Ireland, and the Pacific Islands.
In 2021, Pastor Tony Williams transitioned from his role as Senior Pastor after decades of transformational service. His retirement was marked by four weeks of celebratory services honoring his enduring legacy and commitment to faith, family, and community. Pastor Tony’s leadership, recognized through numerous awards and accolades, left an indelible mark on the church and the lives of countless individuals
In 2021, Pastor Tony Williams transitioned from his role as Senior Pastor after decades of transformational service. His retirement was marked by four weeks of celebratory services honoring his enduring legacy and commitment to faith, family, and community. Pastor Tony’s leadership, recognized through numerous awards and accolades, left an indelible mark on the church and the lives of countless individuals
A New Season
On April 1, 2021, Dr. Tyrone Partee was appointed as MCC’s new Senior Pastor, ushering in a new season of leadership and growth. A Chicago native with extensive pastoral experience across the United States and abroad, Pastor Partee brings a heart for teaching God’s word, empowering families, and strengthening communities. Alongside his wife, Pastor Alicia Partee, he continues MCC's mission of making a lasting impact in San Jose and beyond.
Under this new leadership, MCC remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, inclusivity, and outreach, ensuring the church reflects the values and needs of the diverse community it serves. Programs such as the Food Pantry and Rhunda's Closet continue to provide essential support to families, while partnerships and new initiatives expand MCC's capacity to empower individuals and families for generational transformation.
Under this new leadership, MCC remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, inclusivity, and outreach, ensuring the church reflects the values and needs of the diverse community it serves. Programs such as the Food Pantry and Rhunda's Closet continue to provide essential support to families, while partnerships and new initiatives expand MCC's capacity to empower individuals and families for generational transformation.
Looking Forward
Maranatha Christian Center continues to honor its rich history while embracing its God-ordained mission to be a light of hope, service, and transformation in the Bay Area and beyond. From its founding to the present day, MCC stands as a testimony to God's faithfulness, the dedication of its leaders, and the collective strength of its congregation.
