Title: Eldred Donald Murdoch Biography, 1902-1962

ID: OGLMC606

Primary Creator: Murdoch, Eldred D. (1902-1962)

Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet

Subjects: Grand Forks - Churches, Religion - Episcopal Church, University of North Dakota - Alumni

Languages: English

The Eldred Donald Murdoch Biography, written by Murdoch's wife in the years 1972-1978, includes pictures and newspaper articles about Murdoch and his family, plus other memorabilia. The first nine chapters tell of Eldred Murdoch's childhood in Wimbledon, North Dakota, his career as an Episcopal minister, his marriage to Elizabeth Grinstead, their family, and their careers as school teachers. The final chapters regard Murdoch's ministry and teaching, his UND years at the Canterbury House, and his death. A short section related to Mrs. Murdoch's life after his death is also included.

This is a photocopy of the original, which was loaned for duplication purposes by Elizabeth Murdoch Lindgren.

Eldred Donald Murdoch was born May 28, 1902, to James and Ida Murdoch in Wimbledon, North Dakota. He attended a summer session at Valley City State Teacher's College, Valley City, North Dakota, and began teaching 7th and 8th grades at a rural school in Grand Prairie, north of Valley City.

Later he attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. He met Elizabeth Emily Grinstead, daughter of John and Mary Grinstead; they were married August 5, 1925. Murdoch returned to Valley City State Teacher's College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1929. He received a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of North Dakota in 1941. Murdoch taught in both Buffalo, North Dakota, as well as Marion, North Dakota. He then became superintendent of schools in Lidgerwood, North Dakota. He also acted as dean of men and director of the College of Engineering and the School of Vocations at the Polytechinc Institute in Billings, Montana.

From 1943 to 1944, Murdoch worked for the American Red Cross at Roswell, New Mexico, before he resigned to become a vicar of the Episcopal Church in Mandan, North Dakota. He was accepted as a postulant by the Rt. Rev. Douglass H. Atwill and later ordained by him both to the Diaconate and in 1945 to the Priesthood. After teaching at Bismarck High School and Bismarck Junior College, Murdoch then came to Grand Forks, North Dakota, in August 1953, to act as chaplain for the Episcopal Student Center at the University of North Dakota. He was assistant rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Grand Forks and in charge of the Walshville Episcopal Church in Walshville, North Dakota. Murdoch died August 2, 1962 in Grand Forks.

Grand Forks - Churches
Religion - Episcopal Church
University of North Dakota - Alumni

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Source: Elizabeth Murdoch Lindgren

Acquisition Method: Donation; 81-704

Original/Copies Note: The biography is a photocopy of the original, which was loaned for duplication purposes by Elizabeth Murdoch Lindgren.

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item) Eldred Donald Murdoch Biography. OGLMC 606. Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections. Chester Fritz Library. University of North Dakota.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in January 2014.