Honouring our Ruling Elders

Elsie Maddock

Elsie Maddock became an elder at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, New Liskeard, Ontario, at the young age of 74. I say young because Elsie is still doing well at the age of 102. It should be noted she was the first female elder in northern Ontario. Elsie actively served as an elder until 1996 when she became an elder emeritus. She sang in the church choir, served as its president and was director of the junior choir. Elsie was also involved in many other church-related activities, being recognized as the top fundraiser for some of them. She now lives in Temiskaming Lodge, a nursing home in Haileybury, a few kilometres south of New Liskeard.

Temiskaming Lodge administrator Francine Gosselin says: “Elsie stands as tall as she can with her walker, with her beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eyes, always saying a kind word to everyone. She often helps other residents, cheers them up, prays with them and has even played tag with a young resident who was confined to his electric wheelchair. Her positive outlook and her contagious humour are attributes she has possessed all her life…. She has established a large friendship circle with residents, family members and staff alike…. Most of all, she is thankful to her Lord for every blessed day.”

Mac Hamilton, a current elder at St. Andrew’s, recently attended a small reception for Elsie’s 102nd birthday, hosted by her daughter and son-in-law. Mac reported: “She can remember more things than I can of people and events that occurred during her past and current life like it was yesterday.... She is the special greeter at the Temiskaming Lodge and is a specialist in pastoral care and attention for those who need some prayer and friendship uplift as they enter a new life journey at the lodge.”

Jarlette Health Services, which runs Temiskaming Lodge, has launched a new program — Making a Difference Awards — that honours residents of Jarlette homes for their noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding contributions to society and/or their long-term care home. Elsie was one of the first three recipients to receive this award last year at a big reception in Sudbury, Ontario.

Don Muir, minister at St. Andrew’s, New Liskeard, from 1983 to 1994, reports: “One of the many delights of serving that congregation was meeting Elsie Maddock. Both Elsie and her husband, Stan, were elders. Elsie brimmed with grace, faith and love. It shone in her eyes, sounded in her speech and was evident in her actions.”

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Putting a FACE to Ruling Eldership Project