by Northeastern Conference
With deep sorrow and abiding hope in the resurrection, the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists regrettably announces the passing of Pastor Trevor H.C. Baker, a faithful shepherd, visionary leader, and beloved servant of God, who fell asleep in Jesus and now rests from his labor.
Born on the beautiful island of Barbados, West Indies, Pastor Baker came to the United States as a young man where his spiritual journey was profoundly shaped through his early involvement with the Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brooklyn, New York. He quickly became a dynamic youth leader whose influence helped ignite a spirit of growth and vitality among the church’s youth.
Answering the call to ministry, Pastor Baker prepared for service at Oakwood College (now University), graduating in 1967. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity in Applied Theology from Andrews University Theological Seminary in 1969. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was later awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by the Canadian International Chaplains Association International University and Seminary in 2014.
Pastor Baker began his ministerial career in the Northeastern Conference, pastoring the Mount Carmel and Corona Seventh-day Adventist Churches. In 1976, he was elected Youth Ministries Director, a position in which he served for fifteen transformational years. During that time, he launched what would become lasting institutions in youth ministry, including the Bible Bowl Ministry, the Youth and Pathfinder Awards Program, the Youth Olympics, drama festivals, youth federations, and youth choir festivals. He also established the Conference Youth Advisory, initiated Bible conferences for high school students attending non-Adventist schools, and created the Northeastern Conference Basketball Commission—each effort designed to strengthen the spiritual and social development of the Conference’s youth.
In 1991, Pastor Baker was elected Executive Secretary, and over the next twelve years, he brought structure, accountability, and innovation to the administrative life of the Conference. His accomplishments included the development of a policy manual for field employees, the introduction of an evaluation system for pastors and congregations, and the implementation of processes to promote greater operational accountability.
In March 2002, at a pivotal moment in the life of the Conference, Pastor Baker was called to serve as President, a role he fulfilled with prayerful conviction and pastoral sensitivity until June 2012. Under his leadership, the Conference experienced steady growth and renewed spiritual focus. He emphasized spiritual leadership, promoted openness and integrity in administration, and instituted annual soul-winning and tithe goals for churches. He launched the Pastoral Leadership Recognition and Award ceremony, implemented ministerial districting, encouraged the strategic merging of smaller congregations, and led the administration in retiring two major bonds, thereby relieving the Conference of significant financial encumbrances. During his presidency, the membership of the Northeastern Conference surpassed 50,000, a witness to his vision and commitment to evangelism.
Following his presidency, Pastor Baker returned to his first love—local church ministry—as pastor of the South Ozone Park SDA Church, a community he affectionately described as “the loving little white church by the side of the road… a place where warmth and love spill out to everyone.” He retired from formal ministry on December 31, 2020 bringing to a close a distinguished ministerial career spanning more than five decades. Upon retirement, Baker expressed gratitude for the many individuals who had “added value” to his life and supported him during moments of challenge and triumph. In his own words:
“I could never have asked for a more pleasurable ending to my ministry… Life will be different, but I celebrate the change and embrace the leisurely pace. I will miss being a part of the team and a part of this Conference where I spent most of my life.”
Pastor Baker is survived by his devoted wife, Sister Eunice P. Senior-Baker, who also served the Northeastern Conference in numerous capacities. He was a loving father to their son, Joel, and a proud grandfather to Jaydalyn.
Pastor Baker was more than a gifted administrator or inspiring preacher, he was, in every sense, the quintessential churchman – a spiritual father, a builder of people, a steward of the church’s mission, a loyal friend and above all, a man of God. His impact is etched into the very fabric of this Conference and into the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He led with grace and conviction, served with humility and purpose, and loved without reservation. His ministry shaped the lives of generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire long after his voice is silent.
We give thanks for the life and labor of Pastor Trevor H.C. Baker, and we await with blessed assurance the day when, at the trumpet sound, the faithful shall rise to meet their Lord.
Funeral arrangements and memorial details will be announced in the coming days. We encourage the church family to uplift Sister Eunice, the Baker family, and all who mourn, in fervent prayer.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” —Psalm 116:15