"I just want to live until both my girls graduate from college." Such was the passionate desire that echoed through the growing years of her young family. That wish was fueled by willing sacrifice undeniably typical of her servant's spirit. Mary Ann graduated from Sioux Falls College in 1958 and Ruth on June 4,1961. Eleanor McCaw Edland died of cancer on August 10, 1961. Her wish had been granted.She was 44 years old. Her young life had been fraught with sorrows and trauma not unlike that experienced by many of her generation. She did not graduate from high school. It was a lifelong regret. She was not to be discouraged by the ceaseless bout with life directed by cruel circumstances and challenges. From the strong will and moral courage developed as a young girl prevailed a determined young woman.

Ignorance was not bliss. Learning became a life-long adventure. Learning gave her foundational values. It was not just to stuff one's head with facts. Learning developed her sense of responsibility to God and to people. Learning was a constant means of improving her service. Learning was to be applied. In the final analysis ignorance - lack of learning, unawareness - is a personal choice. She had the discipline and motivation to help, to encourage, to serve others, to be a doer as well as a hearer of His Word. She had the willing spirit and attitude that said: Lord, show me...teach me...help me...to be of use and to give.

In Eleanor Edland, God gave South Dakota American Baptists a strong Christian witness. She took her life as it was and where it was and fully dedicated it to God. In her words, "Ever since I was twelve and heard the call of God to be a missionary, I have tried to answer the leading of the Holy Spirit in this way, 'I'd love to, God'."She found that after this dedication, with all its sincerity and meaning, she was not lifted out of her accustomed place. Rather, the accustomed place was gloriously transformed from an average family, an average income, average ability, the usual group of friends, and a church, into a harvest field into which God had sent her. Here she was to care for and to nurture individuals, to witness, to find all that she would ever need to present to God as her life work.

She used her talents everywhere. Beginning in October, 1951 - for 8 years of wonderful fellowship and association with SD Baptists and the Convention staff - she served as a gracious receptionist at the Convention office, as a meticulous bookkeeper, office manager and secretary. Mrs. Edland served in this position when the "new" camp was erected.

Activities were not limited to her official job, which she loved. Since 1929, Eleanor was a faithful, active worker in Emmanuel Baptist Church of Sioux Falls. As the years passed, she and her husband, Llewie, were cooperative in her serving Christ and in his commitment at Emmanuel. Her loving involvement with the American Baptist Women embraced local, state, association and national offices in the various divisions of women's work. Learning was broadened by experience.

She used her mind. She studied our mission fields, knew our missionaries and their work, interpreted and spoke of our great kingdom enterprises in many of our churches. She used her resources. A constant flow of love gifts was quietly given.Mrs. Edland's noteworthy service in the Convention office ended when Llewie & Eleanor moved to Aberdeen in 1959. She was soon busy and active in new avenues of Christian service in Aberdeen and in State Women's work. She was serving as President of the American Baptist Women of SD at the time of her death.

Gleanings from messages of sympathy 38 years ago reveal the truth of her character has stood the test of time. It was written she was a guiding hand, a wise counsel, a kindly spirit of helpfulness, an energetic and inspiring personality, an irreplaceable friend, a lover of her family and above all a lover of her Savior. Her human warmth, her giving nature, her noble character, and her high Christian values drew people to her. Besides, she was fun and delighted in "a good joke on herself." And yes, she was mortal and would be the first to say she had feet of clay. Such was the essence of Eleanor Edland.Eleanor Violet Marie McCaw Edland, by her daily witnessing lived as a twentieth century disciple of the living Christ. For this reason she will continue to live among us.

Listen!Do you hear it?

Whenever you hear the clarion call of the bell sitting atop the bell mount dedicated to her, it is calling YOU for service to God and humanity. Prepare for the nourishment of your body, mind and soul - sacrificially imparted at our beloved Camp Judson.