Tribute To Father Norman Elliott

Floor Speech

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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