Mary Melby Fund
Carrying forward a legacy of faith, compassion, and service
Chaplains help residents connect with their faith and spirituality through rituals, prayer, meditation, and other faith-based gatherings. At Elim Park, our chaplains often lead Bible studies, prayer groups, and Sunday worship services.
The Mary Melby Fund carries forward a legacy of faith, compassion, and service at Elim Park. Named in honor of Mary Melby — Elim Park’s first superintendent and a devoted missionary — this fund reflects her lifelong commitment to caring for others and serving God.
From 1907 to 1919, Mary Melby guided Elim Park’s early years with grace and faith, helping lay the spiritual foundation that led to the founding of Elim Park Baptist Home and one that still shapes our community to this day. She unselfishly donated her entire salary to pay for improvements to Elim Park’s original home in Shelton, Connecticut. Mary Melby remained an Elim Park resident until her passing in 1925.
Today, this fund supplements the living expenses of a team of retired pastors, chaplains, and missionaries who reside at Elim Park and provide essential spiritual care while sharing the message of Christ on the Elim Park campus.
Said Elim Park Head Chaplain Glenn Havumaki, “When I served as Elim Park’s Director of Christian Ministry, I had the great joy of helping to put the Mary Melby Program together to assist retired pastors with their retirement needs while they continue their lifetime calling to the ministry. After 10 1/2 years of retirement, I was called back to serve on the Resident Chaplain Team in mid-2024. It is such a wonderful opportunity to continue to use God’s calling to see God at work in our community. Residents are being encouraged in their faith, some are making first-time commitments to Christ. I am grateful for this opportunity made possible by the vision of Elim Park leadership to remain a strong Christian Home and the wonderful assistance this makes possible for retired pastors to minister to residents and staff alike.”
Your gift to the Mary Melby Fund ensures that these dedicated pastors will continue to receive the financial assistance they need while they share the message of God’s love.