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Roger Lynn
Rev. Roger Lynn | |
|---|---|
 Sunday celebration for the 52nd anniversary of the first[1] known same-sex marriage, which was performed in Minneapolis.[2] | |
| Born | 1938 (age 86–87) Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Education | Central High School (1956)[3] Hamline University[4] (1956-57) University of Minnesota (1960)[5] Garrett–Evangelical Theological Seminary (1964)[6] University of Dubuque (1967)[7] |
| Occupation | United Methodist Minister |
| Known for | performing the first legal same-sex marriage in known history. |
| Spouse | Sarah Lynn Dagg |
Rev. Roger Lynn was born (10 June 1938) and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduating from Central High School, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. Graduation from seminary (1963)[8] led to ordination in the Methodist Church and a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary.[9]
Open opposition to the war in Viet Nam ended (1967) as 'Minister of Education' when he "found myself in conflict" with the power structure at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.[8] Then, a transfer to street ministry (1971) ended after Rev. Lynn "performed the wedding service" for two men.[10]
For the next ten years, Rev. Lynn provided residential treatment for chronic mentally ill young adults as Director of a facility for People Incorporated. Upon return to full-time ministry, he served the Long Prairie and Grey Eagle United Methodist Churches (five years) and the Walker Church in Minneapolis’ Powderhorn Neighborhood (nine years).
After retirement (2002), Rev. Lynn served as part-time 'Minister of Pastoral Care' (two years) at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, where members celebrated the marriage he performed in 1971.
References
- ^ Before 1970, no wedding conducted without a legal license was a marriage, even if blessed in a church.
- Source: Black's Law Dictionary, Revised Fourth Edition, West Publishing Co. (1968).
- (page 1123) MARRIAGE: Marriage, as distinguished from the agreement to marry and from the act of becoming married, is the civil status, condition, or relation of [two parties] united in law for life, for the discharge to each other and the community of the duties legally incumbent on those whose association is founded on the distinction of sex. 1 Bish.Mar. & Div. § 3; Collins v Hoag & Rollins, 121 Neb. 716, 238 N.W. 351, 355; Allen v. Allen, 73 Conn. 54, 46 A. 242, 49 L.R.A. 142.
- (page 1124) MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: An instrument which certifies a marriage, and is executed by the person officiating at the marriage; it is not intended to be signed by the parties. Spencer v. Spencer, 84 Misc.Rep. 264, 147 N.Y.S. 111, 113.
- Source: Black's Law Dictionary, Revised Fourth Edition, West Publishing Co. (1968).
- ^ Sources:
- YouTube video by WCCO - CBS News Minnesota, "Minneapolis church marks 52nd anniversary of first legally-recognized same-sex marriage in US history" (3 September 2023) and
- Video online by Logan Chelmo, "Honoring Rev. Roger Lynn" (6 June 2021)
- ^ High School Diploma (1956) after
- Monroe High School, St. Paul (1952-53)
- ^ Pre-seminary from the state's oldest private college or university, being founded in 1854 as a Methodist coeducational institution.
- ^ Bachelor of Arts degree
- ^ Master of Divinity degree
- ^ Master of Sacred Theology
- Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Minnesota Hospitals, one quarter (fall of 1963) and
- Clinical Pastoral Education at Mayo Clinic Hospitals and Rochester Psychiatric Hospital (1966-67)
- ^ a b Sources: "Roger Lynn's Resume" (7 January 2025)
- ^ “Rev. Roger Lynn | Profile”, LGBTQ Religious Archives Network
- (accessed 19 January 2025) https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/profiles/roger-lynn
- ^ Doug Belden, "Gay marriage landmark? Minnesota pastor who conducted 1971 ceremony thinks so", Twin Cities Pioneer Press