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Andrew Jacobson (talk) 13:37, 20 June 2021 (UTC)Vincent L. Hawkinson (1915 - 2001) was called to be the pastor for three decades at Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. He was a lifelong advocate for peace and justice, calling out all forms of injustice and oppression.

Biography
Vincent Hawkinson was born in 1915, the son of Swedish Lutheran immigrants. He grew up on a farm near Taylors Falls, MN. He graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and eventually enrolled in Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL, graduating in 1944. He married Gloria Lindgren the same year.

Rev. Hawkinson served in a number of churches on the East Coast before being called by the Lutheran World Federation to help settle European refugees in the aftermath of World War II. In 1952, he and Gloria returned to the United States, where his pastorates included a church in Brooklyn, NY that he helped to integrate during the 1950s.

In 1956, Rev. Hawkinson was called to Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. The Church, formed in 1905, with the current church building dedicated in 1917, is enveloped by the University of Minnesota. He was a fiery preacher, advocating for peace and justice, improved race relations, an end to war, and other topics of the day. He was known around the University of Minnesota campus for his active role in opposing the Vietnam War.

"We've got to go out and wage peace. The world is waiting for it."

He served Grace University Lutheran Church until he retired in 1988. He continued to minister at several other Lutheran churches after his retirement from Grace. He died in 2001 at the age of 86.

After his retirement from Grace University Lutheran Church, parishioners created a fund in honor of his tireless work in peace and justice. The Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice recognizes those who make contributions to peace and justice causes in Minnesota and around the world.