Former
Christian Standard editors Mark A. Taylor (left) and Sam E. Stone in 2018. Sam, who retired in 2003 after serving as editor for 25 years, died on Jan. 25.
My Memories of Colleague, Teacher, and Friend, Sam E. Stone
By Mark A. Taylor
Ralph Small, vice president and publisher at Standard Publishing, called me into his office in 1977 to tell me he was considering Sam Stone to follow Edwin Hayden as editor of
Christian Standard. I still remember his description of Sam, “A steel hand inside a velvet glove.” It’s an apt metaphor for a Christian leader driven by unyielding Christian conviction who led a fellowship of churches by advocating strong principles as he demonstrated unfailing love.