SAN FRANCISCO -- Two weeks before one of the biggest days of the year for San Francisco's Glide Memorial Church, Thursday night was a huge evening for the landmark and its leader, Reverend Cecil Williams.

Williams danced in the street outside the War Memorial Opera House. And why not? He was celebrating 45 years of generosity, ministry and love.

"Deep feelings of deep emotions," said Rev. Williams when asked what his 45 with the church meant to him. "It's been a long journey. But it seems like it's short because there are so many good folks we have experienced. And it really makes it wonderful."

Williams is the first to say he couldn't have done his life's work without his wife, Janice Mirikitani. "Building this place, all these lives. Transforming countless lives, it's amazing," said Mirikitani. "It's an amazing feat. He deserves the recognition."

Under Rev. Williams, Glide Church has fed the poor, housed the downtrodden and been a beacon in the challenging Tenderloin District since 1964.

Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, the kitchen feeds thousands of people, a population that's increased dramatically during the economic downturn.

Thursday's celebration at the San Francisco Opera House held by friends was both a fundraiser and a tribute to Williams.

Dozens of people said he and the church saved their lives.

"Without Cecil and Janice, I wouldn't be able to do it," said Glide client Magnolia Jackson. She added they are like her Mom and Dad.

Another client Peggy Taylor echoed the feeling, "They're my family and everything. I eat with them. I donate my time," said Taylor. "I go to church with them and they mean the world to me."

San Francisco's Protocol Director and her husband, a former U.S. Secretary of State, praised the good reverend.

"To think that Cecil could have done this for 45 years and still have the enthusiasm that he does have, is just extraordinary," said Charlotte Shultz. Her husband George Shultz added, "I have great respect and admiration [for him], so we're here to say thanks."

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who has been elusive recently, stopped by to give thanks. "It's great to honor someone who's made a real impact in people's lives, so it's a nice event," said Newsom.

Perhaps the person who summed up the man and his mission the best was poet Maya Angelou. "I would come down to Glide and hang around and be a part of the people who got the chance to feed somebody and be fed," said Angelou. "And to realize that nobody was above me and nobody was below me."

The event, titled "From the 'Hood to the House,' featured a spoken word performance by Angelou. The San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and Glide Ensemble Choir and Change Band also performed.

Supporters said Glide is in dire need of donations and volunteers for Thanksgiving. For more information on Glide, visit www.glide.org.