Elbert Darrell Mondaine Jr. II

Elbert Darrell Mondaine Jr was known by different names to different people. To his emendate family he was affectionately known as Junie. To his church family he was Pastor, and simply E.D. to the community he served. Elbert wore many hats, he was a man like none other.

Apostle Elbert Darrell Mondaine Jr was born on February 21st, 1959 in St. Louis Mo, to the union of Elbert Sr and Olivette Mondaine. Both parents preceded him in death. Junie was the fifth of six siblings born to this union. He attended St. Louis public schools until 1976, when he enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces. During his service, he led the USAAF Gospel Choirs across Europe and later made history as one of the first African American managers for a major subsidiary of the Tandy Corporation.

Elbert confessed his hope in Christ at a young age. At 17, he was baptized at Grace Southern Baptist Church, under the spiritual guidance of Reverend Ollie Raines.

Elbert Darrell “E.D.” had a deep love, remarkable talent, and rich understanding of music. He was blessed with a God-given voice to sing, and through determination and passion, he taught himself to play the piano—often sneaking into Lasalle Baptist Church just to practice and pour his heart into the keys. He amazed us all—none of us knew the depth of his musical ability until he revealed it, and it left us in awe.

In 1980, Junie married Nadine Hester, and from their union came two sons: Elbert Mondaine III and Christopher Mondaine.

E.D. Mondaine was a courageous voice for faith, justice, and community in Portland, Oregon. A pastor, civil rights leader, musician, and advocate, he devoted his life to lifting others and ensuring that equity and dignity are not aspirations but realities.

Born with a gift for music and a calling for ministry, Pastor Mondaine founded Celebration Tabernacle Church in 1988 in North Portland. What began as a modest congregation grew into a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of the community. Under his leadership, the church became known not only for worship but also for outreach— addressing the tangible needs of neighbors through food distribution, mentorship, and social programs, such as Teach Me To Fish, rooted in compassion and resilience.

E.D. Mondaine also carried his voice into the broader civic arena, leading the Portland NAACP chapter and serving as Regional Vice President. In that role, he championed racial justice, economic opportunity, and accountability—often speaking truth to power while calling communities to come together across lines of race, class, and faith. His work positioned him at the forefront of Portland’s ongoing struggles for justice and reconciliation. He was the chief petitioner gathering a broad-based coalition of over 200 organizations for the nationally recognized Portland Clean Energy Fund in 2018, and led the community response to George Floyd’s murder in 2020.

Mondaine co-founded the Portland Interfaith Clergy Resistance, unique in its broad and successful inclusion of Black, Brown and white faith leaders who were Jewish, Buddhist, Wiccan and a number of progressive Christian denominations, as well as both Queer and straight. Since 2017 he was an important leader in Portland’s Movement for Black Lives marches, demonstrations and protests with both PICR and the Portland NAACP. He represented his faith community in Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, co-chaired the Interfaith Peace and Action Committee (IPAC), and led the NAACP Regional Climate Justice Committee as a Regional Vice President.

Confronted by the ugly side of local politics, he responded with courage, writing a searingly honest memoir in which he sought “to find meaning and purpose in the face of life's trials”. Constantly innovating for the times, he created the podcast “Mondays with Mondaine” to offer unflagging encouragement against despair through newer media. And no matter his own private level of suffering, he was always there on Sunday morning for his community.

Beyond his public leadership, E.D. Mondaine was recognized as a gifted musician and composer, blending the soul of gospel with the urgency of lived experience. Through both music and ministry, he offered healing, inspiration, and a message of unyielding hope.

Above all, Pastor Mondaine is celebrated as a shepherd of people. His legacy is not only in the positions he held or the public battles he fought, but in the countless individuals whose lives he touched—lifting up the weary, encouraging the disheartened, and insisting on the dignity of all.

His story is a reminder that leadership is not about titles, but about service; not about recognition, but about impact. His actions were louder than even his words. He listened to understand. He encouraged others to find their full potential. And his smile and sparkle in his eyes would bring life and energy to a room.

On Monday, August 25, 2025, Pastor Elbert Darrell Mondaine Jr was called home to rest, awaiting the day we reunite in our eternal home. He held fast to his faith and completed his journey with dignity and grace. Though his earthly presence will be deeply missed, we find peace in knowing he is now embraced by everlasting love, free from pain, and surrounded by divine light. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

He leaves to cherish his memories, His sons; Christopher Mondaine, Elbert Mondaine III (Jennifer), grandchildren; Makailyn Mondaine, Nalani Mondaine, Jaiden Mondaine, Imanee Mondaine, and Taviana Tolbert. Sisters; Olivia Hammonds (Leon), Laura Wright, Denise Jones (Barry), Eleanor Mondaine-Sayles (Lawrence), Canzetta Morris, Brother; Andre Mondaine, a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, extended spiritual brothers, sisters and friends.