October 18, 2011

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Rev. Ellison L. Elmer, 77, Watertown, passed away Monday, Oct. 17, at Samaritan Medical Center. 

Born Nov. 28, 1933. in Cortland, a son of Gerald and Violet Marshall Elmer, he graduated in 1951 from Cazenovia High School, received his bachelor's of science degree in music education from Ithaca College in 1955 and his Master of Music degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1957. 

After graduating he taught and directed the Orchestra and String Program at Hudson Falls Central School from 1957 until 1961 and at Auburn City Schools from 1961 until 1964. He then began his studies at Colgate Rochester Divinity School receiving his Master of Divinity degree in 1968.

Simultaneously, he served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Avon in East Avon, N.Y. In 1968, Rev. Elmer became the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, N.Y. 

In 1973, he moved with his family to Watertown accepting a call to become associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Elmer served the next 16 years in this capacity, where his primary responsibilities were leading the board of deacons, Christian Education and youth groups including retreats. 

In 1989, he moved with his wife to become the pastor of Oakfield Presbyterian Church in Oakfield, N.Y. In 1994, he received a call to serve as an interim pastor to First Presbyterian Church, Tonawanda, N.Y. 1996 brought another pastorate as the interim pastor for the North Presbyterian Church, Amherst, N.Y. In 1998, he retired with his wife and they returned to Watertown. 

During his retirement he served briefly as an interim pastor at Watertown First Presbyterian and later was appointed as parish associate. During his ministry he was active in the Presbyteries of Cayuga Syracuse, Northern New York, Genesee Valley and Western, N.Y. 

Rev. Elmer worked in the Watertown Jail Ministry, counseled and taught classes for Credo and the Dry Hill Correctional Facility, counseled at Planned Parenthood in Syracuse, and was a case manager for the Watertown Urban Mission Bridges Program. Rev. Elmer served as president of the Area Council of Churches. He was a former board member of the Children’s Home of Jefferson County and an active volunteer for Samaritan Medical Center. United Way honored him with the United Way’s Giving Award in 2001.

Music was part of Reverend Elmer’s life wherever he was. From 1961 to 1964, he was in the first violin section of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. While teaching in Auburn he was a member and dean of AGO. He was a member of the Genesee and Cheektowaga Orchestra, and many ensembles’ including chamber music and orchestras. From 1998 until 2011 he was Concert Master for the Jefferson Community College Orchestra. He sang in many choral groups including Northern Choral Society, the Sackets Harbor Vocal Arts, South Jefferson Community Choir in Adams, and local church choirs. He founded and initially directed Hand Bell Choirs, in Mexico, Watertown and Tonawanda churches. He was a founding member of the River Ringers Hand Bell group. Rev. Elmer was a part of Watertown Musicals, from performer to board member to President. He participated in the Watertown Lyric Theater as concert master. 

He had a love of perennial gardening, reading and writing. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. The annual family vacation always brought an adventure. 

Mostly, he loved giving his gift of life away to others. 

He married Phyllis Hurd on June 30, 1956, at the Presbyterian Church of West Caldwell, West Caldwell, N.J., with Rev. Donald Capp officiating. 

Surviving besides his wife are two sons and their wives, Gerald and Karin, Merrimack, N.H., and David and Michele, Watertown; two daughters and their husbands, Deborah and Gordon Shroufe, Lyons, Michigan and Leanne and John Herrmann, Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren, Kyle Shroufe, Daniel Herrmann, Alexander Elmer, Megan Herrmann, Cassandra Elmer, Nicholas Elmer, Melissa Elmer, Angela Elmer and several cousins. 

A sister, Geraldine M. Elmer, died before him.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday Oct. 22, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Fred Garry officiating. Burial will be at a later date. 

Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. 

Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. 

Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com. 

Information provided by D.L. Calarco Funeral Home and Newzjunky.com, Watertown