Geraldine Thorngate Van Dyke in the Robe of Achievement, 1990

At an early age Geraldine joined her church choir and began to share her musical talent with those around her. She became an active deaconess and taught many Sabbath School classes. She worked with many parent-teacher organizations and has been active in Bible Study Fellowship as well as holding Bible studies in her own home. She and her husband both served their church camp on staff as well as in maintenance. She also served on the Women’s Board Executive Committee.

Around 1970 Geraldine saw a need for workshops and seminars on family related subjects. She prepared and presented many in her community, her church, other churches, Association, and at General Conference.

She served as president of General Conference. After serving on the Women’s Board Summer Christian Service Corps Committee, she began to teach classes during training and became training coordinator and director for the program for several years.

She “had a vision of what motivated, dedicated, and enabled young people can do if given a chance, and had the ability to share that vision with them and with other people it effects.” Also said of her “She was a spiritual guide and counselor for many SCSC workers even when the summer program was over. When teaching she revealed herself to us, which made it easier for each of us to be transparent with one another and honest with God.”