I received an email in 2022 from retired editor William (Bill) Johnsson six months before he died. At the close of his message, he asked me to greet “all those still around from the glory days.” What follows are memories and testimonies of those who were members of the Adventist Review staff. All worked at some point under Bill Johnsson and/or Bill Knott’s editorships; two were hired by Kenneth Wood. All worked with weekly deadlines until 2015, when the magazine became a monthly. When a team has to meet regular deadlines, they grow close. When every five years they have daily deadlines at a General Conference Session, they grow even closer. This is a tribute to the “glory days” and all those who have helped keep this “little paper” in continuous publication for 175 years. —Merle Poirier, operations manager, 2001-current.
A Tangible Reward
As I ponder my years on the Adventist Review staff, back when the magazine went to press every Tuesday, one of the job’s rewards stands out in my mind above the others.
It wasn’t that I learned how to be an editor from so many caring people at the publishing house. What a privilege to have learned how to edit from Kenneth Wood, who had learned how to edit from the legendary F. D. Nichol. Nor was it the camaraderie of our staff. It wasn’t even the perks, such as rubbing shoulders with workers at church headquarters, or traveling to General Conference sessions to produce bulletins.
No, for me, a simple weekly event made meeting daily deadlines worthwhile—a new Review hot off the press. A tangible product to hold in my hand. And the knowledge that I’d spent a productive week working for God and for our subscribers.
Jocelyn Fay was a staff member from 1973 to 1986, and the first woman named to an editorial position.
Learning the Ropes
I arrived for my interview in one of those 18-inch D.C. snowstorms. My luggage was delayed, so all I had to wear was a pantsuit. That was verboten then and for many years after that. I liked the old Review and Herald Publishing Association building in Takoma Park with its nooks and crannies, ugly linoleum hallways, and creaky elevator.
I liked Kenneth Wood, who gave me a check for my trip expenses along with money I would have been paid that day had I been at my job. He promised that if I learned editorial work, he’d promote me, and he was faithful to his word. I started as a secretary and left 11 years later as an assistant editor.
So I learned from the staff about galleys, pasteup (layout), and proofreading marks. I learned how to cut lines in a way that required the least amount of re-typesetting. I learned editing skills and the importance of meeting deadlines. Electronic publishing made most of those skills obsolete, but I still remember them fondly.
God grew our church through people who saw value in magazines and pamphlets. Having a small part in the rich history of the Adventist Review was an honor that I cherish.
Aileen Andres Sox began as an editorial secretary in 1974 and was an assistant editor when she left in 1984.
From Pasteup to Computers
When I first started working at the Review in 1985, the office was in Takoma Park on the top floor of the Review and Herald Publishing building. It was an attractive, modern, newsroom-style suite, complete with skylights. The pasteup was done manually, by waxing the back of the copy and pasting it into a dummy format for printing. The Review office was the first at the General Conference (GC) to have a fax machine. It serviced the five buildings then comprising the GC. Anyone receiving a fax had to walk over to the Review office to retrieve it.
Then the day came when our beloved IBM Selectric II typewriters were replaced with desktop computers. Just hours after mine was installed, Bill Johnsson asked me to type a letter. Ignorant of computers and WordPerfect, I typed it, but couldn’t remove the many errors. Running out of time and frustrated, I handed him what I had created and said, “This is the best I can do!” Looking forlorn, Johnsson sensed my defeat, signed the flawed letter, and sent it!
When email evolved, and letters were coming in by email, the editors struggled to know how to identify the writer’s city and state, which was usually included. So for a brief time the letters were published with the senders’ email addresses! We laugh now at this ignorance, but as technology advanced, so did the staff savvy. But the greatest technological achievement, orchestrated by designer Bryan Gray, was creating the 1989 staff photo. A horse and sleigh were actually brought indoors and photographed along with the staff, then the backdrop was added to create the snowy outdoor scene. Truly memorable!
Jackie Ordelheide Smith worked as an editorial secretary from 1986 to 1994 and returned as marketing director from 2004 to 2007.
Ever-Changing Technology
In my 30 years at the Adventist Review it’s amazing to see how much changed. When I started in 1986, there was no Internet or cell phones. Laptop computers were rare, and desk computers were clunky.
When I joined the staff, the magazine printed weekly, so the workflow was intense. After writing and editing articles, I created the layout by hand. The process was messy, but we made it work. Several years later the layout process was automated at the publishing house, and the staff rejoiced.
When the Review acquired the Internet, things exploded. The first time we printed the magazine’s email address the office was deluged with dozens of prayer requests from around the world. Feedback from readers grew exponentially, creating more work. And when the topic of launching a website was first discussed, we knew it would bring more work on top of publishing a weekly print journal.
There were many changes to the journal’s name, design, print frequency, and format, but one thing never changed—the blessing of working with colleagues who worked well together. The staff worked so closely together that the process naturally spawned lasting friendships. Even with an intense schedule, Bill Johnsson and Bill Knott built community with birthday celebrations, devotional periods, prayer times, and fun events.
Just thinking about those times, when bonds were forged, relationships developed, and memories were made, made it easy to count the team as family.
Carlos Medley worked as an assistant editor and pioneered the Review’s online presence from 1986 to 2015.
A Prophetic Voice
If someone had told that young, Adventist-hating Anglican boy that his name would one day appear on the masthead of the premier international magazine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, his eyes would have rolled clear out of their sockets. Yet that’s exactly what happened, beginning September 29, 1988.
The gravity of the assignment was not lost on me. Under the leadership of William G. Johnsson, editors saw their role, not as mouthpieces for the church, but as prophetic voices in the church. I felt the weight of that responsibility with every article I wrote.
It was demanding work, with crushing and unrelenting weekly deadlines. But it also came with exciting privileges: speaking to Adventists around the world; interfacing with other Christians at multifaith international events (including, in my case, attending two World Council of Churches General Assemblies—in Australia and Zimbabwe); and, as a special perk every five years, occupying with other editors front-row seats at General Conference sessions, wherever they’re held in the world.
The list could go on. It was a joy!
Roy Adams worked as an associate editor from 1988 to 2010.
Dream Job
I grew up in a home where Adventist publishing was omnipresent, not that we referred to it as such. Our Little Friend, Primary Treasure, and Guide (then Junior Guide) were always present, with their stories and memory verses.
After Insight (RIP), the next step was to “graduate” to Adventist Review. And why not—it was the authoritative voice of the church. People at potlucks talked about what they’d read in the Review. Articles in the Review were discussed at prayer meetings and mentioned in sermons.
As a delegate to the 1990 General Conference Session in Indianapolis, I attended premeetings presented by the Ministerial Association. Adventist Review staff presented at a breakout session. There was Bill Johnsson, Myron Widmer, and Roy Adams. Wouldn’t it be something to work with a team like that, I thought.
Three and a half years later, through a series of improbable and providential events, I became a member of the Adventist Review team. It was then, and is now, one of the high points of my life. To be part of a production process that published a quality product every week was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever experienced. Plus, I had the great privilege to work with talented and godly people like Johnsson, Adams, and Widmer, Bill Knott, Gerald Klingbeil, Lael Caesar, Kit Watts, Myna Tetz, Andy Nash, Kim Maran, Wilona Karimabadi, Merle Poirier, as well as countless support staff, talented writers, and designers.
Before social media and an infinite number of Internet voices (some legitimate, many not), the highest compliment someone could give was “I read it in the Review.”
Stephen Chavez worked as an assistant editor from 1994 to 2020.
A Feeling of Accomplishment
I was privileged to be part of the staff of Adventist Review for 10 years. I enjoyed the friendship of the staff and missed them when I retired. I remember fondly our business retreats and holidays together. Working with various authors was a pleasure. I loved the feeling of accomplishment when putting the (weekly) manuscripts to bed each Friday noon for delivery to the publisher early Monday morning. Of all my career, this position I cherished the most and thank God for making it possible.
Ella Rydzewski was an editorial assistant from 1994 to 2004.
Becoming More Efficient
I worked for two editors. Myron Widmer typed his articles into a computer. I was to type correspondence he dictated on a Dictaphone machine. The other editor, Roy Adams, handwrote his articles. I would type them into the computer, carefully deciphering his writing. I’d print it out; he’d edit more; I’d make the corrections. In time Roy typed his articles into the computer, and then if the article needed editing, I’d make the changes.
The AR staff meeting place was in a room that stored old published manuscripts and magazines previously printed. I asked Bill Johnsson if he would allow me to redecorate the “staff room.” It eventually became a “tour stop” for those who took tours of the GC building, to view the first original manuscripts of the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald.
Once a quarter all the staff with their families came together for a social gathering and team building led by Bill Johnsson. I appreciated that inclusion of the family and the delightful food we all prepared.
Even with the arrival of computers, most submitted articles had to be retyped. I recommended we make a “rule” that articles be accompanied with a floppy disk so that articles could be formatted by an editorial secretary. The editorial secretarial work became more efficient.
Staff meetings were times of great discussions, where Bill Johnsson would bring things to the staff to discuss. There were many animated conversations on specific topics. It was a place to be heard, share your dreams and ideas, which sometimes would later appear as an article.
Mary Maxson served as an editorial secretary from 1995 to 1997.
Tuesday Mornings
As a young staff member straight out of college, I loved Tuesday morning staff meetings.
Bill Johnsson ran the meetings like a family conversation; he loved joking with Roy Adams over who was truly older. Roy was a gentleman and a scholar; he lived by a code. Myron Widmer was the go-getter: seeing details that no one else saw. Kit Watts was the nurturing editor, rejoicing with new writers at publication. Steve Chavez was my older brother, and Jackie Ordelheide and Ella Rydzewski my older sisters. Carlos Medley always had the inside scoop and a sense of humor too. Once he left behind his ID and had to wear a “temporary worker” tag; he joked that we were all temporary. Although Chitra Barnabas and Mary Maxson weren’t editors, it didn’t matter around that conference table. I loved when they led worship. We were all family.
Andy Nash worked as an assistant editor from 1996 to 1999.
To Gather the Scattered Flock
It is likely that every editor of the Adventist Review since James White has initially wanted to change the journal he inherited. (One former editor echoed a famous movie scene as he previewed his role just weeks after being appointed: “Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”) In the name of greater relevance, clearer theological expression, or enhanced reader interaction, new columns have sprouted, design has been overhauled (many times), and page counts adjusted.
But a single line from James White’s first editorial has probably shaped each editor more than he shaped the magazine. White described a core intent of the magazine in that 1849 edition: “To gather the scattered flock.”
That pastoral commitment—to a congregation never physically in one place, whose members literally circle the world—has tempered many heated editorials and softened dozens of overwrought design proposals. It underscores the founding purpose: to bring unity to the end-time movement God raised up to proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus.
You ask yourself—time and again—“Will this be good for the church? Will this build up the strength and hope of Adventists everywhere?”
White’s mission statement is one of the most important lines ever published in these pages, and 175 years later I salute him.
Bill Knott served as an associate editor from 1997 to 2007 and executive editor from 2007 to 2022.
So Many Memories
One of my best memories was a staff retreat held along the Eastern Shore in Delaware. We had the run of a beautiful bed and breakfast located steps away from the beach. It was such a wonderful time spent building our team, thinking creatively, and visioning how to grow our magazines while continuing to bring Christ-centered, thoughtful Adventist stories to our audience.
Another was creating KidsView with “the triple threat” of Bonita Joyner Shields, Merle Poirier, and myself. We conducted focus groups at five or six area Adventist schools with students from ages 8 to 12. At one of the first schools, a student came up with the name “KidsView,” like “Adventist Review but for kids.” We liked it so much that we polled the other schools, and they all agreed.
One of my favorite things was editing our letters sections. I enjoyed reading all the letters, but one letter stands out: a reader begged me to reconsider using my name, because there “just should not be ‘Luste’ ” in the Review! I chuckled; what if I had been single?
Working at the Adventist Review meant being among friends who cared about the same things you do. And as those friends got closer—through long and thoughtful brainstorming sessions, lively discussions at cover committee and staff meetings, cheerful times at birthday lunches and retreats, and sending prayers and lending help during tough times—those friends became family.
Kimberly Luste Maran worked as an assistant editor from 1999 to 2015.
It Was a Privilege
For five years it was my privilege to serve as an administrative assistant to associate editors Roy Adams and Bill Knott. These two, and the rest of the staff, made my last years before retirement a joy and
a pleasure.
William Johnsson gave every staff member leeway to realize their full potential in producing the weekly magazine. A spiritual leader as well as an excellent writer, he easily maintained a warm relationship with each of us. He and his wife, Noelene, often opened their home to the entire staff.
At Adventist Review I was affirmed, blessed, encouraged, inspired. Thank You, Lord, for wonderful memories!
Ruth Wright Hoffer worked as an editorial secretary from 1999 to 2005.
Surrounded by Professionals
In college I had the opportunity to fulfill an assignment for the Adventist Review. One of the associate editors, Myron Widmer, happened to be visiting the campus when I was polishing up my article. The piece was ready to submit, or so I thought.
That morning Elder Widmer kindly sat down with me in the lobby of the women’s dorm to share his editing expertise. He carefully went through my writing line by line. It was a revelation: I had never seen anyone ponder each tiny comma with such focus and intensity!
Several years later, to my surprise, I found myself part of the
Adventist Review team. As a communicator, where better to hone your skills than at the church’s premier publication, surrounded by experienced practitioners at the peak of their profession? I will forever feel privileged to have been a small part of this esteemed ministry.
Shelley Nolan Freesland was marketing director from 2000 to 2002.
A Priceless Experience
Serving as an assistant editor of the Adventist Review was one of the most creative, collaborative, and collegial times of my ministry.
We worked hard meeting deadlines, but we had great fun designing magazine covers, brainstorming about content, interacting with readers, and seeing who could bring the funniest card to our birthday lunches!
To work under the empowering leadership of William Johnsson was a priceless experience. He gave Kimberly Luste Maran, Merle Poirier, and me the mandate to create a children’s magazine and let us run with it!
I wouldn’t trade my time at Adventist Review for anything.
Bonita Joyner Shields worked as an assistant editor from 2002 to 2007.
Not Only Colleagues but Friends
For someone who grew up with Adventist Review (AR) in my home, you can imagine what it was like for me to serve as assistant editor. AR was esteemed and needed. Its pages featured the gifts of people such as Stephen Chavez, Roy Adams, Carlos Medley, and the legend that was William Johnsson. To eventually call these folks not only colleagues but friends was surreal. And with them among others, I had the opportunity to share writing on faith, Adventist lifestyle, history, heritage, and more. Was it a privilege? In more ways than I thought possible.
Wilona Karimabadi was an assistant editor from 2006 to 2023.
Building the Airplane While Flying It
Change and collegiality. These two words pop to mind
when I recall my 18 years as an assistant editor for the Adventist Review.
The adage “the only constant is change” portrays the evolving publication process of the Adventist Church’s oldest journal. My tenure witnessed the magazine’s transition from mostly black-and-white pages to full color. From a largely manual editorial process to a totally electronic one. From a weekly 32-page magazine mailed to subscribers mostly within North America to a monthly 72-page Adventist Review and a new 32-page journal called Adventist World, sent free each month to church members worldwide.
How was all that accomplished? Only by the grace of God, together with the commitment and collegiality of the Review team. Editor Bill Knott often described our process of “reinventing,” or making changes to, the magazine as “building the airplane while flying it.” Deadlines were relentless, with little flexibility, so all additional work was done together with our routine responsibilities. The production process depended on everyone doing their job well and on time. So collegiality—working together amiably with mutual respect and consideration—was vital. And God helped us achieve that.
Sandra Blackmer was an assistant editor from 2004 to 2022.
More Global—More Diverse
During my tenure as associate editor I had a window seat on two important developments. First, I witnessed the ever-increasing internationalization of the staff. As the first associate editor whose native language wasn’t English, I enjoyed rubbing shoulders with colleagues who had roots in India, Guyana, South Africa, Germany, Mauritius, Great Britain, and other places. This trend is accelerating and reflects an increasingly global church. Second, besides a more international editorial team, the voices we published became more diverse—and younger. I spent many hours reaching out to young authors, male and female, from around the globe, who had something to say to their church. I hope that this ministry can continue to expand outward, connecting people, and upward, linking to eternity.
Gerald Klingbeil was an associate editor from 2009 to 2023.
I’d Beg to Do It Again
Working at the Adventist Review validated irksome personality traits that I and others close around had barely supported through the years. Spotting odd spellings, or awkward syntax, or transforming beautiful thoughts into prizeworthy articles, had never been fundamental to my employment. And perhaps it was not so at the Review, either. But doing it brought gratification beyond all the words involved. Maybe it was all those beautiful people for company: I’d be with them again on anything! Maybe it was the salvation metaphor, working as Christ works in us, “to bring [us] back to the perfection in which [we were] created” [see Ellen G. White, Education, pp. 15, 16]. Whatever it was, working at the Adventist Review is a job I would beg to do in heaven, were there ever the slimmest possibility: I know I won’t drop from exhaustion.
Lael Caesar was an associate editor from 2011 to 2022.