Lake Region—Eldora Taylor is one of those individuals who, over the past 48 years, has fortified her mind, and the minds of hundreds, with Bible truths as a dedicated Sabbath school teacher. At 84 years of age, she is the oldest actively-functioning Sabbath school teacher (teaching every Sabbath) in the adult division at the Shiloh Church in Chicago, Ill.

Taylor was baptized by E.E. Cleveland on Aug. 3, 1956. In 1957, she was invited to work with children in the Primary division of the Sabbath school department. She served as assistant leader for three years, and continued to work with children from 1957 to 1968. In 1972, she became an assistant teacher in the adult Sabbath school division. Taylor became a fully certified Sabbath school teacher in the adult division in 1982.

Over the past 22 years she has earned four adult division teacher certificates. She not only teaches a class each Sabbath, but is also an active member of Shiloh's Extension Sabbath school! Taylor has taken on the responsibility of visiting several sick/shut-in Sabbath school members. She provides these members with Sabbath school lesson quarterlies and delivers their tithe to the church treasurer for them.

Recently widowed, Taylor remains active and faithful by attending Wednesday mid-day prayer services, preparing meals on a regular basis for anyone who is hungry, and serves as the chaplain of her neighborhood block club!

Taylor is a retired caterer who, when asked how she does all this at her age (she even drives her own car), states, "I must always keep the Lord before me."

Taylor was specially honored by her church for her faithful years of service on Mar. 5, 2005. The members recognized her contribution to her church and community and prayed for God's special blessing on her in her continued service.

As the Shiloh Church celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, it is appropriate to spotlight a pillar of the church, the Sabbath school, and the community who has served faithfully for nearly 50 of those years!

Collins J. Love, Shiloh Church general Sabbath school superintendent, Chicago, Ill.