Interview about Rev. Robert "Bob" Spencer with Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho Eileen O'Shea, Rev. Haydie LeCorbellier, Anne LoPiccalo, and Scotti Brownley

Interviewed By

Lisa McClain, Boise State UniversityFollow

Biography

Robert “Bob” Spencer, a gay Episcopal priest, had begun the Oral History Interview process when he unfortunately passed away during the COVID epidemic before we could record his interview. Spencer served as priest at Holy Trinity-St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Pocatello, ID, and Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church in Salmon, ID, and as a hospital chaplain in Pocatello, ID, and Idaho Falls, ID, in the 1980s and 1990s. Spencer was never out as a gay man to the congregations he served in these years. He came out publicly following his retirement to Boise, ID. This interview focuses on Spencer’s legacy and impact on the Episcopal Church in Idaho as remembered by four of his former parishioners who knew him and his work well. Spencer is recalled for his progressive approach, compassionate ministry, and for being a quiet yet significant figure in Idaho’s LGBTQ and Episcopal communities during a time when being openly gay in religious spaces was rare. His thoughtful support of LGBTQ congregants and his role in fostering inclusivity within the church left a lasting impact on those around him. These reflections honor Spencer's life as a dedicated priest whose influence extended well beyond his ministry, resonating within both his faith community and the broader movement for LGBTQ acceptance in Idaho.

Keywords

LGBTQ+, Episcopal church, Diocese of Idaho, gay clergy, gay priest, Pocatello, activism, Idaho history, oral history

Interview Date

5-3-2022

Files

Interview Duration

1:42:00

City

Pocatello, ID; Boise, ID

Rights Management

This material is copyrighted by Special Collections and Archives, Boise State University

Disciplines

Gender and Sexuality | History of Gender | History of Religion | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies