Mrs. Mary Kinds Elsaw, a native of Birmingham, was born on Saturday, May 29, 1926.   She attended public school and Booker T. Washington Business College.  

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She confessed Christ at the age of five and began working for the Lord by singing in the youth choir.  As she grew, she began playing the piano and singing solos for Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU), and Red Circle Mission.

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She became the Assistant Minister of Music and pianist for all choirs, Director of New Pilgrim Day Care Center, and served on various committees of the church.  She organized several groups throughout the city of Birmingham: Stars in the Night, The Lee Harmonizers, The Appointed Children of God, and the Birmingham Community Choir.

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In 1968, the late Rev. James Cleveland, Edward Smith, and Elma Hendrix Parham came from Detroit to organize a Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) chapter in Birmingham.  They met with local preacher and radio personality, Rev. Erskine R. Faush.  He directed them to New Pilgrim Baptist Church with Dr. N.H. Smith, Jr.  Pastor Smith directed them to Mrs. Elsaw.  The humble beginnings of our chapter bursts into existence.

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In March 1979, Mrs. Elsaw was appointed as the second president of the Women's Council of GMWA following the death of Mrs. Elma Hendrix Parham.  She served for 23 years in that position and served on the National Board of Directors.   Under her leadership, the Women's Council (also known as the Women of Worship) recorded their first national recording It's On Time that included the smash hit "Order My Steps".  

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Mrs. Elsaw entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 17, 2002.