EvaLois St John in the Robe of Achievement, 1967

Miss St John was an active member of the Seventh Day Baptist Denomination for over 60 years. She was a teacher who had a love of nature and skill in creative writing and storytelling.

She taught at a Presbyterian school in Plainfield, NJ and shared her talent and wisdom teaching with the Plainfield SDB Sabbath School. She served for years as the church clerk and secretary most notably in the interim between pastors.She wrote children’s plays and directed Christmas programs and other special events.

EvaLois was employed at the Sabbath Recorder office assisting with the editorial work. In 1932 EvaLois’ talent was recognized by the first president of the Seventh Day Baptist Historical Society (est 1916) and was invited to become his associate in organizing the society’s collection and library. She then became the librarian and curator of the Historical Society. She spent a lot of time reading the Sabbath Recorder and researching the history of the denomination. Her knowledge of the denominations history was enviable and she was often asked to prepare papers for minister’s conferences or to summarize the actions of General Conference.on different topics.

She was an active participant in the studies of theological students and pastors at the Center for Ministerial Education. She also served as a member of the Tract Board and the Committee on Ministerial Retirement, and was the secretary for the Board of Trustees of the SDB General Conference.