Edith Russell was a native of Bradford, Yorkshire, England, born there in 1918. She was converted to the gospel in 1942,  baptized in September of that year. Almost immediately, her name begins showing up in the pages of the Millennial Star.

I’d seen her name as author of articles in the Star, but hadn’t realized until recently that she was its associate editor – really, the one responsible for most of the content, because the Star was only one of the responsibilities of its editor, who also coordinated Britain’s army of local lady missionaries who replaced the “elders from Zion” during the war years, and had other pastoral responsibilities during those years of priesthood shortage. Day-to-day operations of the magazine fell to Edith.

But not only was Edith the Star’s associate editor, assuming that role only two years after her baptism – she was also the first woman in the Star’s 100-plus years of publication to serve on its editorial staff. Her stories and editorials are quite good – her descriptions of moments in London under enemy action are especially poignant – and even her routine news items are written in a way that makes them feel personal, not routine.

So while this isn’t the usual diary or life writing that I’ve been posting on Sunday mornings, I’ve decided to post Edith’s writings, and some writings about her, for the next few weeks. We’ll start with the news notes that first introduced her to the Star’s readers immediately after her baptism.

From the Millennial Star, 24 September 1942 —

Leeds

Saturday, 29th August, was the date of the Bradford M.I.A. outing, under the direction of Brother George Pitts. Fifteen people enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon, which was made brighter because of the music rendered by Miss E. Russell, M.I.A. teacher, who played selections on her uke.

-oOo-

Bradford Branch M.I.A. held their opening Social on Tuesday, 8th September, at 7.30 p.m. This was in the form of a fish and chip supper and social. Supper was provided by the Gleaner Girls. Brother Geo. Pitts was M.C. Mr. James Slingsby, a well known entertainer, recited one of his own compositions. Miss Edith Russell entertained with her uke. Out of the 56 people present, 40 were visitors and friends. Everybody present voted that the evening had been a wonderful success.

-oOo-

From the Millennial Star, 19 November 1942 –

Leeds

Lantern lectures have been given under the direction of district president Herbert Walker on three occasions. The first at a cottage meeting held in the home of Sister Womersley of the Batley branch, at which 15 people were present, including one investigator. The second was at a cottage meeting held in the home of Miss Haley, in the Pudsey Branch area, at Bramley. Eight were present at this time, including four friends. On both of these occasions President Walker was assisted by Elder Fred Laycock and lady Missionaries Sisters Doris Allison and Grace E. Gent. On the third occasion President Walker was assisted by Elder George Pitts and Miss Edith Russell, and the place was the Regnal Club. A fine spirit prevailed and all who attended evinced a keen interest.

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On Saturday, November 4th, following the Leeds District Union meeting a social was presented by Sisters Doris Allison and Grace Gent. Brother John Bradbury acted as compere for the evening. Concert items included solos by Miss Hill of Bradford, Brother Fred Laycock of the Pudsey branch, Sisters Walworth and Clayton, and Brother Fred Laycock of Batley, who also sang a duet with Brother Fred Laycock of Pudsey. Recitations were given by Miss Russell of Bradford. Sisters Delia Bedford and Joan Gregory and Marjorie Germany of Batley and District President Herbert Walker. Sister Nellie Laycock of Pudsey was at the piano. Games and sociability dancing followed the programme. Thirty-five people attended.

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From the Millennial Star, 24 December 1942 –

Congratulations to Sister Edith Russell, of Bradford, First Prize winner in our annual Christmas Literary Contest. Her story appears here and we are sure that all our readers will enjoy these fine thoughts, splendidly expressed and well blended into a pleasant little tale. Sister Russell will receive a copy of “Jesus the Christ,” by James E. Talmage. in recognition of her worthy effort.

Second Prize goes to Sister Muriel Perry, of Wales, and Third Prize to Sister Vera Thistleton. of Hull, both commendable efforts. They will receive free “Star” subscriptions for six months and three months respectively.

We thank all who sent entries and to the unsuccessful triers — well, just try again next time.

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Rather than posting Edith’s Christmas story so early in the year, I’ve saved it for Keepa’s advent gift of daily Christmas stories – “War-Time Christmas” is already formatted and scheduled for 6 December. Likewise, a Christmas story she wrote for the Star in 1943 is scheduled for 14 December.

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Next week, I’ll post two short autobiographical articles she published in the Star, to be followed a week later by the article that first drew my attention to her: Edith’s account of an air raid on the London building that served as her church, her office, and her home.