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