Barbara Lien
Photos
Stole Text
BARBARA LIEN
1944-1998
Grinnell, Iowa
Given by Mike Smith and Sylvia Thorson-Smith
Ordained elder and valued church leader at First Presbyterian Church, Grinnell, Iowa, where she was organist/choir director for 21 years.
Lecturer in Music, Grinnell College - accompanist, piano teacher, composer, skilled creative artist
Passionate lover of justice, four children, students, friends, and life-partner B.G. "Babe" Voertman
"Love Matters"
Contribution Story
Barbara Lein, a master of understatement, once said of the flap over ordination of gays and lesbians in the Presbyterian Church, "Well, someday they'll just have to get over it, because we're everywhere -- even out here smack in the middle of Iowa!" A devoted Christian, committed leader in the Presbyterian Church, and extraordinary artist, her early death from cancer left a huge hole in her congregation. This stole was donated by Rev. Mike Smith, her pastor, and his wife, Sylvia, who counted Barbara and her partner, Babe, among their closest friends.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
Archival Record
Stole Number: 27
Honoree(s): Barbara Lien
Donor(s): Rev. Mike Smith and Sylvia Thorson-Smith
Geography: Grinnell, Iowa (USA)
Faith Tradition: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Donation Date: 1998