Oliver Lynch

Oakland Tribune June 1961 ¹

Father Oliver Lynch was the priest in charge of St. Elizabeth Church for many years, beginning in 1961. He was a progressive priest at a time when the Catholic church was particularly conservative.

Father Lynch is remembered for being a voice for community organization to further social justice. He regularly marched with others to the nearby Safeway to encourage people to boycott non-union produce.

This was also around the time of Vatican II, a notable shift in the Catholic church from mass only in Latin and other major changes.

A building and gymnasium at St. Elizabeth School are named in his memory.

Links and References

1. St. Elizabeth's Church Gets New Pastor Oakland Tribune June 21, 1961
2. Oakland Neighborhood History Project: Father Oliver Lynch Interview Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room