ELIZABETH EVANS
Elizabeth Evans was connected with the Oxford Mission and the Sisterhood of the Epiphany for most of her long life. She first encountered them when she was a Baptist Missionary Evangelist in Bengal. After becoming an Anglican, she decided to test her vocation with the Sisterhood. She spent much of her Novitiate at the Mother House in Barisal, East Pakistan - now Bangladesh. Her fluent Bengali and her knowledge of the Bible were a great asset to the Community. She worked mainly with the Primary School. She loved the children and they loved her.
After the statutory four-and-a-half years as a Novice, she returned to England on furlough. It was then decided that life as a Sister was not for her. She joined the Fellowship of the Epiphany, and, for as long as she could, attended their Retreats and the Annual Meetings of the Oxford Mission. She found her vocation as resident housekeeper in charge of a small, but very happy Abbeyfield House for the elderly.
In November 1989 Elizabeth and I revisited Bangladesh together. She was able to see the enlarged and flourishing Primary School at Barisal where she had worked and to meet old friends, both the Communities and the Bangladeshi staff. After that we were privileged to be at the Re-dedication of the C.S.S. Sisters' beautiful St. Mary's Chapel at Jobarpar. This had been designed by Mother Susila, who made us both very welcome. Bishop Barnabas Mondal, the Primate, conducted the service. It was a wonderful and joyous occasion. That was Elizabeth's last visit to Bangladesh - a country where she had always felt very much at home.
DR. MARGARET SHEILA DAWE
 Elizabeth planting a coconut tree at Jobarpar in 1989 |