Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

— Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30

Profile of Alma Johnston
Moderator of the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia

Alma was born in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia and spent her formative years there.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Saviour a few days following Christmas in 1949 and became a baptized member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church in 1950. At the age of 14, she became a Sunday School teacher. She joined the Baptist Young Peoples Union, choirs and Ladies Auxiliary in the community.

After completing high school, Alma took teacher’s training and graduated from the Nova Scotia Normal College. She was committed to lifelong learning and went on to  university to complete degrees at the Bachelor and Master’s level.  She taught and counselled in the elementary, junior and senior high schools in the

Halifax Regional Municipality.  Retiring after 35 years, she continued to volunteer her services to adults and children. Alma has a strong belief in God and held many leadership positions in her church from Sunday School Superintendent to chairs of many boards. She has touched the lives of many people.

In 1964, the African United Baptist Association elected her to the position of Supervisor  of Baptist Youth Fellowship than Treasurer for 18 years. She served as Administrator of the Africville Trust Fund for 18 years. She has served on several secular and religious committees in the capacity of chairperson. The AUBA elected her to serve as the first Chairperson of the Regional Ministers Search Committee with the Convention Council. She served on several boards of the Convention of the Atlantic Baptist Churches.

In addition to family, church, community and convention work, Alma has given leadership to several provincial organizations including the Black United Front, Black Cultural Society, Black Professional Women’s Group, Halifax County School Counsellors, Federation of Senior Citizens and Pensioners of Nova Scotia, Community Links, Black Educators Association and Council of African-Canadian Education. 

Alma was appointed to the office of Moderator of the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia at the Annual Sessions that were hosted by Zion United Baptist Church, Truro, in August 2008.  We are proud to have Alma lead our great organization.