387. Theodor Ellefsen

Our beloved brother, Theodor Ellefsen, died in Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 21 at 4:05 pm; he was 66 years of age.

Brother Ellefsen came among us in 1904, and with his passing, the brother who has been along the longest, apart from the undersigned, has gone home.

Brother Ellefsen was a diligent and painstaking worker in the kingdom of God. During the previous world war he served for three years on board the gunboat Viking that was stationed in Finnmark and in Western Norway. I had the pleasure of being together with him in Finnmark, Haugesund, and Bergen during the final year of the war. His work in the kingdom of God essentially consisted of holding Bible studies and explaining the Word of God. He was a kindly and unassuming man, and he won confidence by his friendly manner wherever he traveled. Though he was a small and frail man, he was not afraid to go through storms and cold to visit the friends in Finnmark. As one sister said of him, “That little man is on the go in all kinds of weather, when even a dog would find it difficult to be out.” That is because he had hope for many people. His work has not been unfruitful, for there are many people in Finnmark today who remember brother Ellefsen with thankfulness and joy.

He retired from the Navy on July 1, 1928, and then moved with his family to Fredericia, Denmark, where he lived for four years. He did a good and blessed work, from South Jutland all the way to the German border. There are now churches there that meet together approximately every month. His son-in-law, Johannes Schytt, is a pillar among the friends there.

The funeral service was held in our meeting hall in Horten on May 26 at 2:00 p.m. After the burial, many friends gathered for a memorial feast for this dearly beloved brother.

It is worth noting what was written about him in Horten’s daily newspaper. “Theodor Ellefsen was a pleasant and good comrade at sea and on land. He was unassuming and calm, a meticulous person in all his conduct and in every situation. He did not have an obtrusive nature, but rather tended to hold back, at times seeming to isolate himself a bit. He had a natural ability to keep order and created a pleasant atmosphere around him, which is often important in naval service.

“He leaves behind many friends also outside his religious circle.”