Beginning in 1933, Pullen began to accept Christians from non-Baptist denominations as "associate members," who were unable to vote or hold office in the church. Lee C. Sheppard then served as pastor from 1937 to 1947, followed by Poteat once again until his death in 1956. William Wallace Finlator (1913–2006) became pastor in 1956 and served until 1982. He was known for taking challenging stands on social issues, helping cement the church's reputation as liberal. Rev. Jack McKinney described Finlator as "one of the most loved--and most despised--North Carolinians of his day". In 1958 under Finlator's leadership, Pullen Memorial "declared itself open to all people regardless of race". Finlator promoted integration of North Carolina schools. During the volatile years of the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans considered Pullen Memorial a "safe haven", one of the few predominantly white churches where people could have an open discussion about the movement and not risk backlash. Finlator spoke strongly against segregation and, during the 1970s, against the Vietnam War. The 1958 church constitution "affirmed the acceptance into full membership of Christians who transferred membership from other denominations". Baptist practice generally only accepts those who have accepted Christ and been baptized by immersion. In the early 1970s, some members of the State Baptist Convention attempted to oust Pullen Memorial, along with twelve other churches, for that position, but they were unsuccessful. Finlator was succeeded as pastor in 1983 by M. Mahan Siler Jr., who would serve until 1998. During his tenure, the church staff expanded to include a minister to children, a minister to youth, a minister to the community, and a church administrator. During the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan's build-up of the Defense Department, the church was active in opposing the nuclear arms race. In 1986, Pullen Church began a sister-church relationship with Martin Street Baptist Church, a black congregation in Raleigh. Two years later, Pullen also became a sister-church with the First Baptist Church of Matanzas, Cuba. Pullen members have since gone on several trips to Cuba, helping the First Baptist Church with building and community projects. In 1992, the congregation of Pullen Memorial "endorsed unqualified acceptance of homosexual Christians and their full participation in the life and work of the church". This endorsement and the church's blessing of a same-sex union led to its expulsion from the Raleigh Baptist Association, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and the Southern