Mary Melby Fund

Mary Melby - An Inspiring Servant of God

Mary Melby graduated from the Baptist Missionary Training School in Chicago in 1887. She was appointed as the superintendent of the Rest and Old People's Home in Elim Park in Shelton, Connecticut in 1908. She served as such until 1921 and continued to live at the Home until she died in 1925.
Her gravestone says simply of her: "She hath done what she could." Mark 14:8.

Elim Park named this fund after her because of her dedicated service as a missionary on behalf of the people of the Baptist General Conference. She served her people, her church and her God faithfully - and she also inspired many to serve the needs of older adults as a special work of God's grace.

The Mary Melby Grant Fund

"Let thy elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine ...the laborer is worthy of his reward." ~1 Tim. 5:17-18

  • The purpose of the Mary Melby Grant Fund is to assist retired pastors, chaplains and missionaries who have served with the Baptist General Conference with housing expenses while residing and ministering at Elim Park.
  • The fund honors the name of Mary Melby, Elim Park's first superintendent, a dedicated missionary and servant of God, and it helps and honors others who serve God.
  • Elim Park invites churches and individuals to make gifts to assist all retired pastors, chaplains and missionaries who become residents under the Mary Melby Grant Fund. Many come with limited resources from retirement funds, equity in a home or Social Security. Providing a home at Elim Park is one of the best ways to show respect for GodÕs servants who faithfully served Him.
  • Income from the fund is distributed on the basis of financial need.

Present-day Mary Melby Fund Recipients

Due to the Christian generosity of donors to the Mary Melby Grant Fund, our first assistants to the chaplain, Reverend Harry Egner (1999) and Reverend Dwight Campbell (2002) are able to share their spiritual gifts with over 700 residents and staff at Elim Park. With continued support, our goal is to invite another candidate to use his or her gifts in ministry in 2006.

Reverend Dwight Campbell:
"Marie and I have been blessed because of the generosity of the many friends of Elim Park who provided for the Mary Melby Grant Fund. As I visit residents on our Elim Park campus, I am blessed by them, especially the 15-20 who entered into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Praying with them in that time of commitment, as well as ministering by being our Elim organist, has made me realize that although retired, I can still be fruitful in service to the Lord - truly a blessing."

Reverend Harry Egner:
"Mrs. Egner and I are indeed grateful to the Lord for providing, during our retirement years, such a wonderful place as Elim Park. Through the generosity of the Mary Melby Fund, God has given us a "place to live and a place to give" (back) in terms of ministry. Our time and talents are still being invested in God's service! The security and opportunity we find here has
surpassed our fondest dreams."

A Wonderful Opportunity

Reverend Dr. Glenn B. Havumaki has served the spiritual needs of Elim Park's residents and staff for over 25 years. He assisted in the establishment of the Mary Melby Grant Fund in 1995 and oversees the ministry of the chaplains who reside at Elim Park with the support of the Fund. As such, Reverend Havumaki is in a unique position to comment on the benefits of donations to the Fund:

"Supporting the Mary Melby Grant Fund is a wonderful opportunity to honor the service of a retired pastor, chaplain or missionary who has served the Lord faithfully in the Baptist General Conference, many of whom come with limited resources. The Fund is a true blessing for everyone involved as it provides assistance towards housing expenses at Elim Park while enabling the spiritual needs of residents and staff to be met through the vibrant ministry of these chaplains."

"I ask that you prayerfully consider making a generous contribution to the Mary Melby Grant Fund so the Lord can continue to bless this ministry through these fine servants who have given so much to so many."

For additional information or questions, please contact Carl Jahrstorfer at 203-272-3547 ext. 172, or email cjahrstorfer@elimpark.org.