Rev. Walter I. Elmer
Dies In Grand Rapids
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Muskegon--The Rev. Walter I. Elmer, 86 years old, former pastor of the Wood Avenue and Pentwater Methodist churches before he closed 50 years in the ministry, died July 13, in Grand Rapids. Since the death of Mrs. Elmer he had been living at the Clark Memorial home there.
Born in a log cabin near Harrisville, Alcona County, the Rev. Mr. Elmer was widely known in this section of Western Michigan through his pastorates for eight years at the Wood Avenue church and for 11 years at Pentwater. He retired in 1937 after the annual Michigan conference held in big Rapids.
Prior to his ministry he worked in the lumber woods and mills, and attended country school. In September, 1886, he left the lumber woods to enter Albion College. He began preaching as a student pastor in 1887, was graduated by Albion in 1892 and joined the conference.
His early pastorates were at Thompkins, Penfield, Olivet, Sonoma, Athens and Vicksburg. He also served churches in Battle Creek, Jackson and St. Louis before being appointed to Wood Avenue, Muskegon in 1913. He served here for eight years, also preaching at North Muskegon, then connected with the Wood Avenue charge.
He was appointed to Dowagiac in 1921, served at Marne in 1925 and from 1926 to 1937 at Pentwater.
His wife, who was with him through his ministry, was the former Edna Moorhouse, of Albion. They were married September 23, 1890.
He leaves two daughters, Miss Laura A. Elmer, a Muskegon music teacher, and Miss Mary Elmer, of Battle Creek.
Funeral services in Grand Rapids Saturday afternoon were conducted by the Rev. William Chapman, also a former Wood Avenue pastor, and burial was in Restlawn, Muskegon, with the Rev. John H. Hall, present Wood Avenue pastor in charge of graveside rites.