Florence resident elected to national religious office

Frances Elmore of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Florence has been installed as treasurer of the National Altar Guild Association.

Elmore said the organization is composed of members who are with altar guilds in the Episcopal Church. Each Episcopal Church has an altar guild, and its duties are to prepare the altar and make sure the services are set for the priest, among other things. At the Episcopal Church’s general conference, the National Altar Guild Association is responsible for serving Eucharist.

On Jan. 1, Elmore will start her duties as national treasurer. Being chosen for such position wasn’t something she campaigned for; she was asked to serve.

“They have a nominating committee, and they nominate people,” Elmore said. “It’s not a competition, it’s an honor. They select people from different states every three years.”

Elmore said she was contacted last year and asked to serve. Her duties as treasurer for the National Altar Guild Association are similar to that of any organization, she said.

“I will collect the money for the membership, and any donations given to the organization,” Elmore said.

She said she will also be responsible for making sure the organization’s bills are paid.

According to the Province IV Altar Guild Newsletter, Elmore was elected treasurer at the triennial meeting of the National Altar Guild Association in Salt Lake City. She was installed at the Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina and met with congratulations from all of the delegates.

“It’s quite an honor to serve the church and especially on a national level. It also provides another way to worship, to honor my commitment of God,” Elmore said. “It also gives me a commitment to honor people from all over.”

Elmore will serve in her new position until Dec. 31, 2019.