Rev Fr David Elder (1943 – 2019) (Joe's 1954 – 1961)
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Fr Elder's autobiography when he was at SS Mary & Michael’s, Garstang.
I was baptised David Joseph Elder at St. John Vianney’s Church Blackpool in
1943. I was named after my Dad’s brother, Uncle David, a Presbyterian Minister
in the Church of Scotland, and after my Mum’s brother, Uncle Joseph, a
Catholic priest in Ireland! It was as though God had wanted me to follow my
Uncles from my birth! I am very grateful to God.
I went to St. John Vianney Primary School and then to St. Joseph’s College,
Blackpool, run by the strict Christian Brothers. Having applied to Bishop
Flynn to become a student for the priesthood in the Lancaster Diocese, I was
sent to study philosophy at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in Ireland. After
three years I was transferred to Sèminaire St. Sulpice, in Paris, where all
the lectures were in French, there to study theology. I spent four exciting
years in Paris during the 2nd Vatican Council.
I was ordained priest in my home parish by Bishop Foley, who subsequently sent
me to St. Michael’s College, Underley Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale, to teach physics
and French and to coach rugby. I taught there for seven years, until the
college closed. I was then sent to qualify as a teacher!
I went to London University, Chelsea College (which became part of Kings
College) and I graduated in physics and with a Graduate Certificate in Science
Education. I never taught physics again! I was sent by the Bishop to teach
Mathematics at St. Joseph’s College, Upholland. I was only there two years
when the Bishop moved me to Preston to become the Director of the Diocesan
Catholic Caring Services, where I served for seven years.
By this time, I had been a priest for 21 years and had never served in a
parish – my highest ambition at that time was to become a curate; I failed!
Bishop Brewer then appointed me to be the Parish Priest of St. Gregory’s, in
Workington, West Cumbria. I was soon as happy as a sand-boy! After six happy
years I was moved to St. Patrick’s, Heysham, before being moved to SS Mary &
Michael’s, in April 2002. I am very happy to remain in this wonderful parish
until I retire!
During all the years after ordination that I had no parish ministry, I sought
out spiritual ministry by giving retreats in my free time. Eventually I
trained as a Spiritual Director in the Ignatian Centre for Spirituality at
Milford, Ohio, USA. I now have a busy ministry in spiritual direction, in
which priests, religious, lay people, Catholics and Christians of other
denominations, come to see me, for me to accompany them spiritually. I find
this ministry very fulfilling and it complements my ministry as a parish
priest.