[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 18 (Thursday, January 29, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO FATHER NORMAN ELLIOTT

 Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate the 
90th birthday of one of Alaska's most beloved religious leaders, Father 
Norman Elliott. When people think of Alaska, they think of the natural 
beauty and skylines defined by mountains; rarely are the religious 
leaders that bind our lives together recognized for their devotion to 
our communities.
  Father Elliott began his record of service in 1941 by enlisting in 
the U.S. Army, serving in Europe for 5 years. After the conclusion of 
World War II, he returned to school and earned his B.A., followed by a 
master of divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria 
in 1951.
  He knew from an early age that he wanted to serve as a missionary and 
began seeking an appointment overseas, hoping for a post in India or 
the Philippines. Retired Reverend William J. Gordon, Jr., the Bishop of 
Alaska, convinced him to serve in Alaska, a position that changed his 
life. Since 1952, he has served all over our State. Father Elliott was 
ordained in Anchorage at the All Saints' Episcopal Church, earned his 
pilot's license, and then was transferred to Fort Yukon, where he flew 
missions to nearby villages. He then spent some time in Fairbanks and 
Ketchikan before returning to Anchorage, where he forged a strong 
relationship between the Greek Orthodox Church, the Jewish 
Congregation, and the All Saints' Episcopal Church.
  He retired in 1990, but between almost daily visitations at the 
Providence Hospital and the Alaska Native Medical Centers, and his 
service as Chaplain at the Port of Anchorage, he can hardly be 
considered a retiree.
  For more than 50 years, Father Elliott has been a beloved pastor and 
key leader in interreligious relationships throughout Alaska. I speak 
for so many Alaskans in wishing Father Norman Elliott a happy 90th 
birthday. We extend our best wishes to him for continued good health 
and good works.

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