Background
Elder, Robert Jay was born on July 12, 1949 in Birmingham, Michigan, United States. Son of Charles William and Barbara Magruder (Tompkins) Elder.
Elder, Robert Jay was born on July 12, 1949 in Birmingham, Michigan, United States. Son of Charles William and Barbara Magruder (Tompkins) Elder.
Bachelor, Trinity University, San Antonio, 1971. Master of Divinity, Princeton Theological Seminary, 1974. Doctor of Ministry, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, 1983.
Associate pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Corvallis, Oregon, 1974-1980; senior pastor, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Port Arthur, Texas, 1980-1985; senior pastor, 1st Presbyterian Church, Amarillo, Texas, 1985-1986; senior pastor, 1st Presbyterian Church, Salem, Oregon, since 1987. Keynote speaker Synod of the Sun, Denton, Texas, 1984. Commissioner 197th General Assembly Presbyterian Church (United States of America), Indianapolis, 1985, moderator assembly commission on mission program and organization, 1985.
Board of directors United Way of Marion County, Salem, 1988-1990, Young Men’s Christian Association, Salem, since 1989, Jefferson County Mental Health, Port Arthur, Texas, 1983-1985, Benton County Mental Health, Corvallis, 1978-1980. Member Presbytery of the Cascades, Presbyns. for Renewal, Alban Institute, Blue Key, Rotary (board directors since 1991).
Married Joyce Lynn Gardner, August 22, 1970. Children: Erin Elaine, Celia Irene.