Sarah Ellen Dickson (August 31, 1880 – November 21, 1965) was the first woman elder in the Presbyterian Church in 1930.

[1][2] She was a "pioneer in the daily vacation bible school movement,"[3] She was active in church work for over 60 years and was known as "the chief".

[4] In the early 1920s, Dickson took under her wing a "motherless boy" named Richard E. Evans, and effectively (but not legally) became his foster mother.

[4] In the fall of 1927, while still a seminary student, Evans preached at the newly established Presbyterian church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and made a strong impression.

[6] Pastor Richard Evans was present as an observer, and telephoned home to set up a congregational meeting upon his return.