Goingback and Mary Chiltoskey
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Mary
Ulmer was a teacher and librarian in the Cherokee community for
many years. She was one of the original members of St. Francis
of Assisi. She helped G.B. with some of the woodwork in
the church. Above is an early picture of Mary (second from
left) with some of her students. After retiring, she married
G.B. During her retirement, she organized and operated a
free book distribution center, where any member of the community
could obtain free books. Somehow she arranged to have truckloads
of books delivered regularly to the tiny three room office.
In 1988, she was formally adopted as a member of the Eastern Band
of Cherokee (an honor given to few). She died in October
of 2000.
Goingback Chiltoskey was a well known Cherokee wood carver. Much of the cabinet work, together with the carvings that make the church outstanding, were done by him. "G.B." made the large alter, the altar rails, the credence table, the hymn and prayer book racks, the curtain rods and rings for hangings behind the alter, also the cover for the baptismal font. He married Mary after retiring. Mary died in October of 2000, and G.B. died very shortly after that |
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