A Fond Farewell to Father Ellis

On Sunday, July 19, members of St. Thomas, Wainwright and St. Mary’s, Edgerton gathered to bid a sad but very fond farewell to the Rev. Ellis Jagoe and his family. Fr. Ellis first came to Wainwright with the military in the late 1980s. He returned 15 years ago and has made it his home since. He has been honourary assistant at both St. Thomas’ and St. Mary’s, and looked after these parishes, in 2013, when they were between rectors.  

Fr. Ellis is well-loved by parishioners in both churches who have fully enjoyed his presentation of worship and preaching. He is a multi-talented man who shares those talents freely and generously. People were amazed by the number of pies he baked for the Stampede. Not only can he bake, but he cooks, sews, gardens, cans, hunts… We are not sure if there is anything he cannot do. 

Returning to the Maritimes with Fr. Ellis are his daughter Dorothy, her husband Andrew, and their children, Judson, Hattie, and Jackson, as well as Fr. Ellis’ foster son, Michael.  

Fr. Ellis read the gospel and preached at his farewell service. His sermon focused on real visions that become reality in the future. He told us of a day when he was five years old on a beach in New Brunswick, and how now, when looking back on this one place and time, he sees elements of that day as signs of what would happen later in his life. These included being next to the property owned by the parents of the woman who would later become his wife. There was also a rescue exercise by the military happening at the beach and several other elements. He also talked of Jacob’s age when he had the vision of the angels ascending and descending, reminding us that God uses us even, and often especially, as we grow older.  

Following the eucharist, the congregation presented Fr. Ellis with a memory album, church plates, mugs, and t-shirts bearing local symbols. The congregation asked for a blessing on the family as they journeyed to their new home and their new life.

Submitted by the Rev. Ann Marie Nicklin
Photos by Allan Samm