FOREWORD: My father, Gordon Elliott, went to be with the Lord at the age of 90. He had a wonderful walk of faith, having come to Christ as a child. He joined the Canadian Airforce at age 17. When World War 11 was over, Dad left the military. He prayed and answered God's call to become a pastor. (An unknown benefactor-to this day- sent him free tuition to Bible College in Toronto). After Bible college, he received his divinity degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He loved the verse, "Behold God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He too has become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2, KJV).
He served churches around the Toronto area, and his last twenty-five years he served God as a priest in Peterborough, Richmond Hill (St. Mary's), and the Toronto area, where he was needed after attending the Jesuit school in Toronto.
Birds brought a lot of joy to his life. An avid birdwatcher, he spent many hours on nature trails watching and listening to the birds. He could identify a great number of birds by only their song. For a time, he carved beautiful birds out of balsa wood, even showing them in the Smithsonian Institution. He also played the snare drum and the piano by ear and enjoyed hymns and bluegrass music.
A kind, patient pastor, he was dearly loved. He cared about all people and worked with the Chinese (St. Agnes) community, where he learned to speak and write some Chinese as well.
Many sought his counsel and advice. He had a wonderful memory, and he knew a lot of Scripture by heart. His mind was sharp right up until God took him home on December 29, 2012.
"Stay close to God, love one another, tell others about Jesus, and be ready for Christ's return."
In loving memory, Mary Elliott Williams
Elliott, Gordon: - Father Elliott was born in Toronto Ontario Canada. He joined the Canadian Air force at age 17. After World War 11, he felt God's call to become a pastor. He attended Bible College in Toronto and received his Divinity Degree from McMaster University. He was an avid birdwatcher and carved birds for a time. He had an exhibition of his carvings in the Smithsonian in Washington DC. He pastored several churches in Ontario. The last twenty-five years of his life he served as a priest in churches in the Toronto area. Special chuches of note were St Mary's of Richmond Hill and St Agnes in Markham. God gave him a special love for the Chinese people too where he pastored.. He fondly referred to them as the' Chinese Connection.'
Williams, Mary Elliott: - Mary Elliott Williams was born in Newmarket, Ontario Canada. She attended Lakeshore Teacher's College, Toronto Ontario, Canada, Guilford Technical Institute, Jamestown, NC for her ADN, RN, and Mars Hill College for BS in Allied Health. An illness in High School confined her to bed and she began to draw, taking classes in art all through her life. She has painted many commissions since 2000. Her awards include Salmon Run from the SC State Fair and Seal Swimming from Crooked Creek Art League. She worked over forty years as a nurse in hospitals in NC and SC. In 1981 she married Mitch Williams. They have five children. Under His Wings was compiled in loving memory of my Dad and to the glory of God.
