University of Mobile Presents
Annual Shofar Award

FAMILY CELEBRATION - It was a family celebration at the University of Mobile Alumni & Friends Luncheon during the Alabama Baptist State Convention, when the Rev. Raymond McElhaney received the university's annual Shofar Award. Here, McElhaney is surrounded by family as he holds the Shofar Award. Pictured from left are Kim Malone, Evelyn Clark, Cora McElhaney, Raymond McElhaney, Cindy Ennis, Clara McElhaney, Karla Swanner and, in front, granddaughter Mahaley Swanner.

MINISTER RECEIVES SHOFAR AWARD - Dr. Cecil Taylor, right, dean of the School of Christian Studies, presents the University of Mobile’s annual Shofar Award to the Rev. Raymond McElhaney of Tanner, Ala. The award was presented at the University of Mobile’s Alumni & Friends Luncheon during the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Every year the university presents the Shofar Award to an Alabama Baptist State Convention minister who has served faithfully and has had little or no recognition for their service.

The University of Mobile presented its annual Order of the Shofar award to the Rev. Raymond McElhaney of Tanner, Ala.

Every year the university presents the Shofar award to an Alabama Baptist State Convention minister who has served faithfully and has had little or no recognition for their service.

Ray McElhaney, originally from Cantonment, Fla., began his ministry at the age of 18, after being asked to speak at his local church on youth day. During the invitation that day, his father walked down the aisle as his first convert. This day proved to be the beginning of McElhaney’s answer to the call of ministry on his life. Ray McElhaney has shown over the years, through his dedication, that his answer continues to be yes.

During his time in the United States Air Force, while stationed in Amarillo, Texas, he preached at a Baptist church in Adrian, Texas. After his military career, McElhaney became employed with Monsanto Textiles in Cantonment, Fla. In 1963 he became the bi-vocational pastor of Farm Hill Mission. In 1967 he was transferred by Monsanto to Decatur, Ala., where he became the bi-vocational minister of Old Town Creek Baptist Church. Two years later he would be called to minister at First Baptist Church of Tanner.

In 1994, McElhaney delivered the first message ever given by a bi-vocational minister at the Alabama Baptist State Convention. McElhaney, who was a bi-vocational minister for years, became the full time pastor of Tanner First Baptist Church in 2001. McElhaney served as pastor of Tanner First Baptist Church for 37 of his 45-year ministry. During his 37 years as pastor, the membership at Tanner First Baptist grew from 40 to over 500 members.

According to Dr. Robert C. Fullerton, director of missions for Limestone Baptist Association, McElhaney is a husband, father, and grandfather who is very dedicated to family. He and his wife, Clara, have raised three daughters. His daughters and their families are all members of First Baptist Church of Tanner.

“He had dynamic preaching qualities, has been very mission minded through the years, and is concerned with the education of the young and old alike,” said Fullerton.
McElhaney, who retired in 2006, continues his legacy of educating others. Although he is retired, he continues to preach and also leads Experiencing God studies for other congregations.

Dr. Cecil Taylor, dean of the School of Christian Studies and professor of Christian Studies at the University of Mobile, said that the purpose of the Shofar award is to “honor those who deserve honor but have not received it.”

Fullerton says of McElhaney, “For anyone to serve at one church for 37 years speaks well of them.”

By Shaterica Sherman, senior, communication