May 28, 2019
John D. Bevis, Editor 1973-1982
Editor John D. Bevis originated much of the Sabbath Recorder as we know it today. When he became editor in 1973, it was a small 6 x 9 inch 16-page newsletter format publication. John changed the Sabbath Recorder into a full-sized monthly magazine for Seventh Day Baptists. Color was added and then occasionally a full-color cover. The Sabbath Recorder became a free publication to any who requested it; it was funded mostly by donations.
Behind the scenes, the changes made to publishing the Sabbath Recorder were amazing. From a machine to set type to a new, state-of-the-art press, to new and faster ways to put the pages together and the use of photographic equipment…these were fast, efficient, and improved the quality of the magazine. However, today with computers and internet, it all seems so archaic and time-consuming—but not back then…it was wonderful!
Editor Bevis wrote in July 1982— his last Editorial:
“Nine years ago my family and I arrived in Plainfield, New Jersey; we came to serve Seventh Day Baptists through the publication work of the American Sabbath Tract Society. During the years that followed, the most enjoyable and challenging part of that work for me has been as editor of the Sabbath Recorder.
…
“Certainly one of the highlights of this editorship was holding a copy of the “new” January 1974, issue produced on our own offset press—a colorful and exciting new venture. Since then we have seen many improvements and new features. I am especially happy that in 1982 every Seventh Day Baptist home in our Conference receives this publication.
…
“At 138 years of age, and as one of the oldest religious publications in the country, the Sabbath Recorder is vibrant and the future is certainly bright. As Seventh Day Baptists reach out to others, organize new churches, and enter new fields of endeavor, the need for a denominational journal and the influence of the printed page will continue to grow.
“It could very well be that the best is yet to come!”
