Elaine Webster

is honored with a Brick from Myron L. Webster.

Wife, mother, grandmother, minister, vocalist, and musician. These are some of the words that describe Elaine Webster (August 1, 1945- ). But there are many other words that capture her essence.

She is an overcomer. Elaine may be considered as a pioneer for the changes that young women benefit from today. She was a student during a time when married female students were discouraged from going to school - especially if they became pregnant. Nevertheless, she refused to quit school and doggedly pursued her career goals.

Elaine is an achiever. Following moves to Nevada, back to Kansas, and then to California she earned her B. A. Degree (from the University of California at Santa Barbara) in 1970. Shortly after her graduation she received the Saunderson Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions and was enrolled in the Music Academy of the West for advanced vocal training. She later was a finalist in auditions held by the San Francisco Opera Company. In 1979, she completed her M. A. in Music (from Goddard College).

Elaine Webster is a nurturer. While pursuing her music career she has been an exemplary wife, mother, and grandmother. This often required her to work late into the night - many times going all night without sleep - especially when listening to and guiding our daughters Angie Webster-Hamlin and Cynthia Webster through their teenage years. Now she enjoys the rewards of being grandma to Alyssa Hamlin.

Elaine is a victor. She has been a born-again Christian since January 1964 and became a licensed minister in 1987. In 1980 the Lord called her to form Are You Ready? Ministries and direct interchurch pageants. Every spring an original musical (written or co-written by Elaine) is performed. First performed in 1980, "Journey to Bethlehem" (written by Elaine) which is given each December, has become a tradition in our community. People come from surrounding communities to make this a part of their Christmas season. This drama has had a cast numbering in excess of 100 coming from as many as 25 churches. For several years she gave concerts in various churches in the southern California area. Then the Lord moved her into a different calling.

In 1969 she was introduced to prison ministry as an invited soloist for Christian services at, what was then, the Federal Correctional Facility at Lompoc (now the United States Penitentiary). Soon she began playing piano/organ at these services. Elaine now plays and sings every Sunday for services in three of the four federal prison institutions in Lompoc.

In 1983 her prison ministry expanded as she began to receive requests from several prison chaplins to sing and minister in their institutions. Currently, in addition to those mentioned above she also does twelve other worship services a month in various institutions as well as music. She travels extensively to reach some of these facilities where she is known as sister/mother Elaine.

Her present ministry now includes the many voice lessons she used to give as well as other general music teaching from grade school to college level. (Many of her voice students received awards and scholarships and some entered the field professionally.) Elaine now envisions an expanded prison ministry, a Bible School with an excellent School of Music, along with various practical outreaches that minister to those in need of help. You can see why I think she belongs in the Plaza of Heroines!

Submitted by Myron L. Webster, Wichita native; husband; teacher; writer; WSU graduate '65 and '68

September 16, 1998