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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 in 1963 led to ordination in the Methodist Church[8] and a Master of Divinity degree[9] from Garrett Theological Seminary.[10]
His appointment as a 'Minister of Education' ended in 1967 when open opposition to the war in Viet Nam "found [himself] in conflict"[8] with the power structure at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. Then, a transfer to street ministry ended in 1971 after Rev. Lynn performed the wedding service for two men[11] because "it was the right thing to do."[12]
For the next ten years,[8] Rev. Lynn provided residential treatment for chronic mentally ill young adults as Director of a facility for People Incorporated.[13] Upon return to full-time ministry, he served the Long Prairie and Grey Eagle United Methodist Churches (five years[8]) and the Walker Church in Minneapolis’ Powderhorn Neighborhood (nine years[8]).
After retirement in 2002, Rev. Lynn served as part-time 'Minister of Pastoral Care' (two years[8]) 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 c d e f Source: "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
- ^ Benjamin Perry, "Love Before It Was Legal", Garrett online
- (25 April 2024) https://www.garrett.edu/love-before-it-was-legal/
- ^ Doug Belden, "Gay marriage landmark? Minnesota pastor who conducted 1971 ceremony thinks so", Twin Cities Pioneer Press
- ^ Sasha Alsantian, "For some Minnesota Methodists, a same-sex marriage conundrum on Aug. 1", MPRnews
- ^ January 2025, from its website: "For over 50 years, we have been a leading community partner, supporting mental health and wellness through collaboration and integration of care."