Helen Graeff Ellerman, 1925 – 2005

Helen Graeff Ellerman’s father was an Episcopal Rector in Chambersburg, Pa. As a teenager, Helen started playing the organ for her father’s services at an elderly home he founded in Shippensburg, Pa. Helen received a Bachelor of Music degree from Sweet Briar College, and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. At Union, she studied organ with the renowned organist, Robert Baker.

In 1977, Helen would be among the first church musicians to be consecrated a diaconal minister. She retired from the conference after serving churches for over 40 years. All the churches Mrs. Ellerman served were in Virginia except for the seven years she served Luther Memorial Church in Erie, Pa. In Erie, she met her husband, Ray, a harpsichordist, and the two teamed as a duo presenting many recitals on harpsichord and organ. In Virginia, Helen served as music director at Mount Vernon UMC in Danville, Broad Street Christian in Martinsville, Asbury UMC in Harrisonburg, and Luray UMC in Luray. At Asbury and Luray, she enhanced their music program with the organization of a handbell choir.

As an organ teacher, Helen has students now playing in churches in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Colorado. These students all say Helen was the only teacher who taught them how to play a "church service." Helen enjoyed going to conference and played the organ there on many occasions.

For seven years, Helen ran a weeklong summer music camp at Camp Overlook for children 9-17. Mornings were filled with singing and the afternoons, swimming and games. There was an abandoned log cabin in the woods to which all campers had to hike. Helen sneaked into the cabin and let out blood curdling screams, earning her the nickname "Witchie Poo." The camp closed with a Saturday morning concert for parents.

In her retirement years, she joined her husband’s hobby of candlemaking. They joined the International Guild of Candle Artisans. They hosted two conventions for the group and Helen wrote "little ditties" that she sang at meal times. One of these was voted to be the organization’s official song. They were awarded the Pathlighter Award for their service to that organization in 2001.

Anyone who has met Helen will remember her laugh. It was quite unique. She never met a stranger. If they were aloof, she made them friendly; somber, she made them smile; sad, she made them happy; and mourning, she comforted them.

— Ray Ellerman