Rev. Dr. Dick Ellsworth Hamlin

"Dick Hamlin was a major, formative influence in my life. I am stunned-to-sorrow to learn, just now, of his passing in May. When I was 6 in 1958, my family returned to the Twin Cities from Tracy MN, and joined a new mission church in Fridley/Columbia Heights. Pastor Hamlin had been called as a newly-ordained minister of the Lutheran Church to knock on doors and launch the St. Timothy's parish out of nothing. His charisma and craft were such that his Lutheran mission was the fastest growing in the country. Our family became and remained active in virtually every aspect of the new enterprise. I helped pound nails as we pitched in to build the new parsonage. My parents gave my brother the name of Timothy, following his birth within days of the church's formal organization in April 1959. Hamlin became my idol. St. Timothy's met on Sundays for a few years in the Nelson Grade School before acquiring 10 acres on the shores of Sullivan Lake and building the first of what was contemplated to be four units of the church campus. My dad served on the Church Council for a time and helped organize the pledging of money. We hosted the architect, the first Black man I had ever met up close, for dinner at our house. During elementary school years, I hung out at the church quite a lot, after school, sometimes on lunch hours, and on Saturdays. I got to observe the office procedures and was mesmerized at how fast Luanne, the church secretary, could type on a manual typewriter. Santa finally was able to bring me a used, Smith Corona for Christmas when I was 11. Hamlin taught me about the importance of good presentation, including how to properly fold the Sunday bulletins, taking care that all the corners lined up evenly. Similarly, when stuffing envelopes, it was important to fold, stuff, and seal letters properly to make for a good impression. Our Lutheran worship services lacked the pomp and circumstance that characterize some churches, but I was one of two or three boys invited to serve as acolytes [yes, just boys ? and married women were known as "Mrs. Whatever-her-Husband's-Name-Was], usually during Advent and Lent. Hamlin imparted to us the role and importance of ritual and reverence: how to stand, how to walk, how to pause, how to turn. Most importantly, he taught us how to serve. And to sing! He never tired of encouraging us to lift our voices loudly in song, and his Irish tenor voice could soar above the organ and entire congregation. When serving as dean for family weeks at the Lutheran Church Camp, he led robust, sunset sings on the shores of Green Lake in Chisago City MN. As part of our Confirmation classes, he insisted that we tour Temple Israel in Minneapolis. This was to help us understand the honored role that the Jewish faith played in the development of Christianity. It also made the point that, despite the righteousness of Jesus' Great Commission, our dogmas were not the only ones worthy of respect in a civil society. You have never heard a proper homily or sermon unless you have heard Hamlin preach it! In his later years, on the occasions when his Arizona parishes invited him to preach, I tuned to the online archives to hear again his voice and his version of the "old time religion." Various Christian faith traditions emphasize different aspects of belief. Hamlin was not interested in hellfire and damnation. At the 50th anniversary of St. Timothy's, he articulated the Lutheran theology of faith that he imparted to his flock. He said, "I am saved, and my salvation is secure, NOT because I love Jesus. But because Jesus loves me." For him the gift of grace attached to no conditions. For all of that, by the time he left our realm in 1969, I was in conflict about my sexuality and had the feeling that Pastor Hamlin would not be of much help to me. Letting go of his regular presence in my life became just a part of letting go of so much more in the years to follow. I am secure in the nuances of my spiritual journey these days, but Hamlin is the one person, I suspect, who could instill guilt about my straying from the bounds of his good work. If one has the time to read his obituary, it will be clear that to have crossed paths with him was to be blessed. He insisted that we have three signs outside of St. Timothy's. On the entrance to the parking lot: "Enter to Worship." On the exit from the parking lot: "Depart to Serve." The main sign in the center had the words, "A community church with a world wide influence." They were his version of "Act locally and think globally." He believed that each of us could change the world for better. That's the old time religion I can get with. So Pastor, as you said so many times, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Thank you for your blessing. ?Gary Peterson, Minneapolis MN"

"I had the privilege of knowing Pastor Hamlin for almost my whole life. My family and I grew up at Shepherd of the Valley. I st communion, confirmation, marriage, baptisms were made so special by this incredible man. From church field trips up North to overnights watching the nativity animals he was always a constant presence. I would always want to sit on his side of the church when serving as an Acholyte or a Crucifer because his cologne always smelled so good! His hugs were genuine and his sermons mesmerizing .Our family is deeply saddened by his passing but we all know that heaven has gained an amazing angel! Love to the Hamlin Family! Wes, June, Debbie, Lori and Kyla (The Smith/Stutz Family )"

"Sincere condolences to Aunt Jayne, my cousins Ann & Jennifer, my father DeWayne and the extended Hamlin family. I have so many fond memories of Uncle Dick. The early years when they would visit us in LeSueur, the sleepovers with Ann & Jennifer on the front porch, curtains open, root beer from A&W and the list goes on. I specifically remember the performance during curtains open of "Tip Toe Through the Tulips" and am reminded of it every time I see tulips or hear the song. As time went on, we had the pleasure of Pastor Dick marrying John and I in 1987. He must have done a good job because we are still happily married after all these years. I'll never forget our marriage counseling session at a Denny's restaurant in the Twin Cities. There wasn't a lot of time for counsel after meeting and talking to everyone having breakfast that morning at Denny's. Seeing all the Hamlin brothers together over the years, all the good times, laughter and love has certainly had an impact on the extended family. Understanding the importance of family and the deep connections it holds. Uncle Dick certainly left his mark on this world, his compassion, sense of humor, leadership, laughter & love will always be remembered, and he will be in our hearts forever. Rest peacefully Uncle Dick. Andrea & John O'Neill"

"Pastor Hamlin was a wonderful spirit full of love and kindness. We had the honor of him marrying us almost 40 years ago, and of baptizing our son at Shepard of the Valley. He will deeply missed by many who were blessed to know him. Randy and Beverly Moore"

"We were members of Shepard of the Valley while Pastor Dick served the Lord.. His charismatic personality was a magnet that drew many people to Chist. Rest at Jesus feet our dear friend. Gene and Donna Erickson"

"I had the privilege of serving in ministry with Pastor Dick as a church pianist for 11 years. During that time, I "went to school" on him (one of his favorite sayings). I wanted to know exactly what it was that made him stand out from pretty much every other person I had ever met before. He just had this way about him that was way more than special. He was captivating and intriguing and so amazing. Then one day, I figured it out. Pastor Dick saw every person he encountered through the eyes of God. He looked with genuine love and grace on every single person, whether it was the bus boy at a restaurant, someone at the church, a complete stranger, or one of his own family members. When he looked at you, it was like you were the only person on the planet. He had a gift of gathering people and helping them feel comfortable singing and praying together. He made everything special - baptisms, weddings, and even funwrals. Pastor Dick was one of a kind. Funny, relatable, wise, affirming, loving and caring. He will be greatly missed by SO MANY people. I am eternally grateful for my time with him. My deepest, heartfelt love and care to his incredible wife, Jayne and their beautiful daughters, Ann and Jennifer. I love you so! "

"Dick was a beautiful man whose smile lit up the room. Although I only met him a few times, he has forever touched my life. Heaven is rejoicing at the homecoming of this wonderfully holy man. May Jayne, Ann, Jennifer, Dwayne and all those who know and love him be surrounded with love, support, and comfort in knowing that his mind is sharp as a tack and he is surrounded by the deep love that was at the source of the love he spread while here with us. ?? "