Ralph Helge was ordained an elder on Dec. 14, 2007, by Larry W. Greider, the pastor of the Los Angeles, California, congregation.

The Helges first moved to Pasadena, California, in 1957 to be a part of the Church. After graduation in 1963 Mr. Helge, an attorney, began working for the Church and continued as legal counselor during the next several decades. Mr. Helge is well known for his work with selective service issues, as well as many court battles, including the receivership in the late 1970s.

Mr. Helge and his wife, Ingrid, still live in Pasadena, and Ingrid often performs special music.