Covenant News

100 Years Later, Still Going Strong

CHICAGO, IL (June 10, 2005) - A lot can happen over the course of a hundred years or so – just ask Elmer Sundberg, recipient of the 1987 T.W. Anderson Award who celebrated his centennial birthday Friday.

Sundberg was honored with the Anderson award by the 1987 Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church because of his passion and long commitment to the local church.

"He's kind of like the patron saint of our congregation spiritually," says Greg Mesimore, the pastor of Edgebrook Covenant Church, where Sundberg was a lifelong member. "He's always been the voice of the Holy Spirit for our church in terms of being very wise, discerning and very compassionate. He's always had a heart for the things of God."

Sundberg was a teacher and architect before retiring. These days, Sundberg continues to paint, a hobby he began after turning 80 years of age. His work hangs on many walls of the Brighton Gardens senior center, where he now lives. "His paintings and illustrations are highly coveted by all our members," Mesimore says.

Sundberg hasn't been able to attend the church the last several years, but he still plays an integral role in its life. "The newer people may not have met him, but they know him because we talk about him all the time," Mesimore says.

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