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Pastoral Biographies

Reverend Lyn Oglesby, Ph.D, Interim Minister


Welcome! 

I moved to Washington, DC, in 1956 to work for Lyndon Johnson determined to save the world, and I'm not done!

After working in politics and government, living in Japan, India and Nepal as the spouse of a Foreign Service Officer, I completed a masters, a doctorate, a year as an RE director, and worked on my own before deciding to become a Unitarian Universalist minister.  A 2005 graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, I interned in Lancaster, Pennsylvania an served as minister at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Shreveport.  There, my congregation and I worked hard in Katrina relief for evacuees, and to advocate for justice for the Jena Six, who were shamefully over-prosecuted by Louisiana's racist judicial system. 

I'm excited with the opportunities here at First Unitarian in Baltimore, excited about the challenges to create stronger programs, to enhance and enrich spiritual lives, and to promote social justice.

Come visit us!  We offer hope, encouragement, intellectual stimulation, fabulous music, and an inclusive atmosphere that is compassionate and welcoming.  We are about deeds, not creeds. 

Warmly, and in faith and hope, 

Lyn

Reverend Dale Lantz


Community Minister Dale Lantz earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Methodist Theological School in Ohio and received final fellowship from the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the UUA in 2002. He earned a Master of Social Work degree from Delaware State in 1992. He recently retired after working for 11 1/2 years as a hospice chaplain. He is currently the Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s “Society for Community Ministers.”  

 

Dr. Michael Franch


Affiliate Minister Mike Franch has been involved with our church since 1984 after serving as Leader (minister) of the Baltimore Ethical Society for nine years. At First Unitarian, Mike performs weddings/unions, memorial services, and is available for other pastoral needs. He coordinates our Book Discussion Group, helps plan the Winter and Spring Celebration services, and is active in the Religious Education program. In 2007 he retired from his day job as health policy analyst in the Medicaid Program of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Mike earned his Ph.D. in history at the University of Maryland. His articles on Baltimore history have appeared in the Maryland Historical Magazine, The Sun Magazine, and in the book, Maryland: Unity in Diversity. He also speaks on historical and cultural issues for the Maryland Humanities Council and is active in the Baltimore Folk Music Society.

Reverend Harry Woosley


The congregation of The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore commissioned Harry Woosley as Affiliate Minister for the Deaf on May 2, 2004. We believe that our church made history as the first UU church to commission a minister for the deaf. Originally ordained in a Christian denomination, Rev. Woosley recently retired from a career working with the deaf/AIDS population, most recently with the Family Service Foundation. His UU commissioning is formal recognition of his already active deaf ministry. He has also served on the Board of Trustees of our church.