Evelyn Carpenter passes away; Knox College expresses condolences
Evelyn as pictured in the 1970 Knox College class composite.
The Rev. Evelyn Mary Isobel Carpenter passed away on August 24, 2023. She was a 1970 Bachelor of Theology and 1972 Master of Theology graduate of Knox College. Evelyn was the first female minister to give the MacDonald Memorial Lecture at Knox College in 1988.
The following obituary appears on the Presbyterian Church in Canada website:
The death occurred suddenly at her home in on Thursday, August 24, 2023, of Rev. Evelyn Mary Isobel Carpenter, of Pitt Island Road, Alberton, age 82 years. Born at Kendal, SK, on March 31, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Frank Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Isobel (nee Mitchell) Carpenter, of Alberton.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Connie (late Dean) Carpenter, of Alberton, and by nephews, Todd Carpenter, of Halifax, and Scott (Angela) Carpenter, of Summerside. Great-aunt of Rhiannon, Samson, and Taralyn. She was predeceased by her brother, Dean Carpenter, in 1999.
Right out of high school she began summer school at PWC (Prince of Wales College, Charlottetown), working off University credits toward a BA from Mt. Allison in 1966, and a BEd the following summer-school at Mt. Allison, also in 1966. Evelyn taught school for one year following high school graduation at West Devon, then for five more years in Alberton Jr. and Sr. High School, teaching primarily English and History.
Following graduation from Mt. A, Evelyn taught high school English in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, BC. There she decided to go into new territory by entering Knox College, University of Toronto, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Theology, and in 1972 with a Masters of Theology. Ordained in 1973 at Leaside Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Evelyn worked in a team ministry in east-end Toronto, amalgamating three congregations into one, emphasizing community ministry and outreach. In 1980, Evelyn received and accepted a call to First Presbyterian Church, New Glasgow, NS, being the first woman to receive a call to a congregation in the Maritimes, serving there from 1980-1988. In 1987, Evelyn’s name was placed in nomination for Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the first woman to have her name nominated for such an office. Also in 1988, Evelyn was the first woman minister to give the MacDonald Memorial Lecture at Knox College, University of Toronto.
In 1988, Evelyn received and accepted a call to First Presbyterian Church, Chatham, ON, where she lived (owned her own home) for 14 years. Following retirement from full time ministry in 2002, she served half time for four years at a nearby congregational Church, in Dover Center, in the fall of 2006, retiring “home” to PEI, Alberton RR1, Mill River waterfront.
Evelyn enjoyed camping ministry opportunities, both at Keir Camp, PEI, (growing up on PEI) and later on; for example, during studies at Knox College. For five summers, Evelyn served as Special Director of the Church’s wilderness camp, Camp Iona, in Bala (Muskoka), ON. Later, Evelyn also enjoyed preparing a formal meal for family during retirement years on PEI, so much enjoying her waterfront property on Mill River and familyship with long-time Alberton friends and family.
Throughout all these years of being allowed and called to serve God’s Church beyond expectations, Evelyn was careful to give God all praise and glory for such opportunity and privilege.
As an expression of sympathy memorials to the Evangel Hall Missions (552 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, ON M5V-9Z9) would be gratefully appreciated by the family.