Administrator Melvin Klaudt

Melvin Klaudt is the administrator for the Klaudt Indian Memorial Foundation. He was born in Elbowoods, North Dakota and traveled with the Klaudt Indian Family until their retirement in the early 1980’s. Melvin’s background is in the area of construction, real estate and public relations.

His responsibility is to:

• grow the foundation
• serve as a conduit between the Foundation, the general public, church organizations, governmental agencies, Indian reservations, and other non-profit entities
• keep the Foundation’s Web Site updated for the purpose of information flowing in reference to ongoing projects
• raise funds for scholarships and Indian Missions

Melvin is also responsible for the development and implementation of any special projects and, in general, keeping the Klaudt Indian Family name alive.

The Klaudt Indian Memorial Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) Public Charity as defined by the Internal Revenue's Code. Under this ruling, all donations are deemed to be tax deductible.

Address all correspondence and contacts to Melvin Klaudt through the Foundation's Web site and mailing address.

The Foundation Board of Directors

James R. Goff, Jr. President Dr. James R. Goff, Jr., a native North Carolinian, is Professor of History at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC where has taught since 1986. He holds a BA in Religion (1978) from Wake Forest University, an MDiv (1981) from the Duke Divinity School, and a PhD in American History (1987) from the University of Arkansas. His publications include Close Harmon: A History of Southern Gospel (UNC, 2002); Portraits of a Generation: Early Pentecostal Leaders (Arkansas, 2002); and Fields White Unto Harvest: Charles F. Parham and the Missionary Origins of Pentecostalism (Arkansas, 1988). He has also published numerous articles on American religious history and culture. Dr. Goff also writes occasionally for the Singing News Magazine and served as the historical consultant in the building and organization of the Southern Gospel Music Museum and Hall of Fame in Pigeon Forge, TN. He is married with two children and lives in Boone, NC with his wife, Connie.

Heather Hughes McKnight Secretary Heather Hughes McKnight is an honors graduate of David Lipscomb University. She has a varied background of expertise as Project Manager for projects such as Jack Daniel's Visitor Center Additions, Memphis Cotton Museum Development, National Model Railroad Museum New Facility. Southern Gospel Music Museum and Hall of Fame additions, and Bemis Mill Village Museum. Her communication skill and diverse background in public policy and history has led into Tennessee Governmental assignments, such as Assistant Press Secretary to the Governor of Tennessee & Tennessee Bicentennial Committee. She is presently the Project Manager for Access Museum Services which encompasses the responsibility of coordinating all suppliers and subcontractors, preparing and maintaining a critical path, scheduling, the distributing of prompt communications to and from all project team members.

Raymond C. Klaudt Treasurer Raymond C. Klaudt, a native of North Dakota, traveled with The Klaudt Indian Family until the early 1980's. He then taught in the Georgia Public School System for 35 years from which he is now retired. He received an AA degree from Lee College. He holds BS and MS degrees in Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. His hobbies are horticulture, landscape design, and swimming. He has been a swim instructor for the past 33 years along with his wife, Connie. They currently live in Norcross, Georgia but will soon be relocating to San Diego, California. They have one son, Monte, who lives in Sand Diego with his wife Susanne.

Kenneth L. Klaudt Trustee Kenneth L. Klaudt was born in Sheridan, Wyoming and traveled with The Klaudt Indian Family until the Family retired from singing in the early 1980's. Kenneth, CLU, LUTC owns Ken Klaudt Insurance Agency in Norcross, Georgia, Ken is married to Sonia and has one son, Kenton who lives in Norcross, Georgia. Ken is actively involved with a local Optimist Club and the Georgia Optimist International. He is an Alumnus of Lee University and is actively involved with Native American History and Native American causes.

Vernon R. Klaudt Trustee Vernon R. Klaudt was born on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and traveled with The Klaudt Indian Family until the early 1980's. Vernon attended BTS in Sevierville, Tennessee in 1943. Vernon earned an AA degree from Lee University, A BA from Oglethorpe University, a BD from Emory University, a Ed.Sp, from Emory, and a Ph.D. complete course work in Ed. Leadership from Georgia State. He served as Principal in Elementary, Middle and High Schooland was involved in overseas mission work. Vernon went home to be with the Lord on September 9, 2006.

Judy Spencer Nelon Trustee Judy Spencer Nelon has spent most of her adult life supporting Southern Gospel Music in a variety of different capabilities. She has been a singer with her two sisters Linda and Sharon known as the Sunshine Sisters. She currently writes articles for the Singing News and US Gospel News and owned the Gospel West, a California music newspaper. She has served as a member or is presently serving on GMA's Board of Directors, Southern Gospel Music Guild, and the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Committee. Judy is Vice-President of Manna Music and CEO of Nelon Publishing Group that has a combined library of over 10,000 published gospel, sacred and religious classics and has appeared on the Gaither Videos.

A minister once said to his congregation, "If you can accomplish your goal by yourself, you need a bigger goal." The Bible puts it this way in John 15:4, "No branch can bear fruit in and of itself." The Family and the Foundation have planted the initial seed money. And you as Friends have already watered that seed money with initial gifts. The promise the Family is making is to match contributions with time and money. The Foundation is stepping out in faith on projects that need your help and especially prayers. We sure cannot do it without faithful supporters and God's blessings.