In Memory of Talmadge Lambert

Seonghwa

Jan 16

Written By Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Talmadge Lonnie Lambert

Spouse: Elise Lambert
Birthdate: January 29, 1950
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: December 15, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 20, 2023

Talmadge Lonnie Lambert Jr. was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 29, 1950 to Rev. Talmadge Lonnie Lambert and Vivian Lambert. He was the youngest of two children, with a sister 20 years his senior. Sundays were spent in the Lambert Chapel in Brooklyn, NY where his dad was pastor. Talmadge was raised in the church. He was a quiet boy who enjoyed reading.

He attended college in his hometown at Drexell University with the hope of becoming a civil engineer. Talmadge had a quiet yet strong desire to simply do good. After attending Divine Principle workshops, he joined the Unification Church Philadelphia in 1973 and dedicated himself to various missions. Being rather shy, Talmadge never really prospered in general church activities. However, being a sincere and responsible man when he was called to the mission, Talmadge became a master printer (for 35 years) for Going Up Press the source of many publications for the Unification movement.

Talmadge was blessed in marriage to Elise Olshansky in the 2075 couple Blessing at Madison Square Garden in July 1982. As a couple, they were delighted to experience the unity and love of God in their interracial blessing, and perhaps that was the beginning of what most defined Talmadge’s life—unity.

Talmadge made every effort to try to understand the uniqueness of people, religions and cultures. He loved God and had been known to have a prophetic anointing in some Christian circles. He also embraced the traditions of Judaism by learning the Hebrew prayers for Shabbat and Chanukah because of Elise's upbringing in the Jewish faith. He has a deep heart with compassion for others.

Talmadge was a good listener and a good singer. He seemed quiet and reserved but had a creative side underneath. Have you ever heard him sing the “Banana Boat Song” by Harry Belafonte? He would light up the room! Although he and Elise never had children, he loved children, and they responded to him in kind. This made him feel a fatherly heart towards all children in general.

Talmadge was an adventurous man with an open mind to learn new ideas. He always trusted that God would lead him and guide him throughout his life. Talmadge was diagnosed with kidney disease and cancer in the last years of his life. Nonetheless he kept a kind and caring demeanor during visits until he peacefully departed this mortal realm.

Talmadge Lonnie Lambert Jr. is a man of God. People called him a “gentle giant” because he was six feet tall and a gentleman who cares about people everywhere. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Elise, and his Unification family.