Pastor Letter from Fr. James | Remembering Fr. Dick Elwood
Fr. Dick made an indelible impact on St. Mark’s story. He served as Rector from 1984 until 2000.
My beloved St. Mark’s family,
We shared the news today of Fr. Dick Elwood’s unexpected death this past weekend. Fr. Dick made an indelible impact on St. Mark’s story. Beginning his service as rector in 1984 and serving until 2000, he touched an innumerable amount of lives in Beaumont. Prior to arriving at St. Mark’s, Fr. Dick served in Kingwood, Tyler, and Houston. After leaving St. Mark’s, he served on numerous occasions at St. Martin’s, Houston and as interim rector throughout the state of Texas, most notably at St. Barnabas, Fredericksburg. Fr. Dick’s ministry touched many, many lives.
I feel a deep sadness after learning of his death. Fr. Dick opened his heart and shared friendship with me as I began my service as St. Mark’s rector. I know he did the same with so many of you. St. Mark’s is a special place. To me, and on numerous occasions, Fr. Dick shared how St. Mark’s opened up your heart to help him heal during a very difficult time in his life. The legacy of this parish loving on their priest is still felt today.
A parishioner shared with me this weekend of how it feels like we have sent out several death notices over the last several weeks. Though we can all attest to the knowledge of death being a part of life, saying goodbye to those we love is ever so painful. As we begin Lent this week, we will be encouraged to remember. Remember that we are mortal but also remember that we loved by God. Remember and bask in the good memories of those who have gone before us. Remember how our lives have been changed by their love. Remember their example and be inspired to carry forward a bit of their witness. Remember that as we grieve with heartache, God sees us and does not turn away. As your rector, I share in the ministry and legacy that Fr. Dick left in this special place. We will share service details when they become available. In the meantime, know that I love you and our loving God sees and meets us in our sorrow. Thanks be to God for the life, witness, and ministry of Fr. Dick Elwood.
In-love,
Fr. James
James Pevehouse • March 3, 2025