Our Catholic heritage is most visibly reflected in the number of relatives buried in Maine’s two Catholic cemeteries: Saint Cyril and Mount Calvary. Because my father left the Catholic Church, I never fully appreciated how deeply Catholic faith shaped the lives of our relatives and ancestors. I do now.
— Dr. John P. Elcik, IV, Editor
John P. Elcik, Sr.
To fully understand this chapter of our family history, access to historical society records will be essential. Saint Cyril’s Church was founded just seventeen years before John P. Elcik, Sr.’s death and burial. Without clear documentation regarding property ownership and cemetery records, many questions remain unanswered.
John P. Elcik, Jr. & John P. Elcik, III
Few in our Maine family knew that my father left the Catholic Church. As a family, we didn’t talk about money—and we didn’t talk about church either. I recall that his departure may have involved a burial denial, though the full story remains unclear.
John P. Elcik, IV & Pamela McClanahan
Pam and I attended Presbyterian services when we were married, reflecting how I was raised. Pam later attended Methodist services and remains active in faith-based outreach through Day of Joy. I consider myself a believer, though I often describe myself as a “CEO”—Christmas and Easter Only.
Jack & Beth Gamache
Jack’s parents were devout Catholics, attending daily Mass without fail. Jack himself does not believe in God, while Beth was raised Methodist. Their interfaith marriage was met with grace and love by Jack’s parents.
Beth’s research revealed deep religious diversity within her Purinton, Goddard, and Day ancestors—ranging from Catholic burials to Baptist church founders. Her extensive cemetery documentation has preserved inscriptions and histories that might otherwise have been lost.