Erlanger Recognizes Members' Dedication to Church, Community

On October 24, 2010, Erlanger United Methodist Church (Covington District) presented its 31st Annual Mayo Taylor Award to J. T. and Eloise Mulligan during the morning worship service. This award is presented each year to an individual or a couple who have demonstrated the same dedication the community and to EUMC as did Mr. Taylor. The Mulligans have been active in the life of EUMC since joining in 1975. Over the years they have served EUMC in the forefront as well as in the background.  Both being school teachers (retired) gives the Mulligans a great affection for our church family and for the community. 

Eloise was in the classroom for over four decades from Bethlehem (KY) to Erlanger. She has served on the Board of Grace Edgett Child Development Center at EUMC and has been active in the United Methodist Women.  Eloise has always shared her musical ability, including singing in the choir and playing the piano as called upon from time to time (both at EUMC and at Colonial Heights Retirement Center). She has served on many other EUMC committees over the years.

 J. T.’s contributions over the years to EUMC include serving on various committees, most recently Finance and Trustees, plus being a part of the United Methodist Men group. He currently serves on the newly formed Building Committee, which is considering a family life center addition. J. T.’s educational career included athletic leadership as well as classroom studies. He was Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach for Erlanger Lloyd Memorial High School at the time of his retirement.

The Mulligans (with the help of other family members) hosted Thanksgiving Dinner for the Erlanger Fire Department in 2008 at their Erlanger home. They have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate the Mayo Taylor mindset of giving to the community and to Erlanger United Methodist Church.

The Mayo Taylor Award was established in 1980 to honor Mr. Taylor, who gave of himself unselfishly to his church, community, and the world. It is the desire of the Award establishers that the recipients should have given of their efforts in a way to depict the life of Mayo Taylor in their years of service and commitment to the Erlanger United Methodist Church.

Mayo Taylor was a truly unique individual. He had very little interest in the prospect of being a wealthy, successful businessman. The attitude was puzzling to many aspiring young men who felt that financial achievement was the only way to gain respect.

He was deeply concerned and dedicated to the needs of the community and particularly of EUMC. He believed sacrifice and service took precedence over comfort, convenience, and security. His faith and Christian leadership was an inspiration to all.