Kristína Royová (1860-1936)
is an important figure in the history of Cirkev bratska. She was born in Stara Tura as one of 5 children in the family of the lutheran pastor August Roy. She grew up in a strongly patriotic environment. Her father was a personal friend of Hurban (important figure in establishing the nation in 19th century) and took part in organizing Slovak uprising in 1848. Her mother`s brother, Karol Holuby together with Viliam Sulek was executed for taking part in the uprising.
Since her childhood Kristina Royova liked literature and writing. After meeting a missionary Dr. Baedeker who was working with prisoner at Siberia in tzar Russia she decided to "put her life at the Christ`s altar" and help the Slovak nation to rise up morally. She started with the kids - together with her sister Maria she taught them religious songs. Kristina and Maria were writing and tuning their own songs in Slovak and they were also translating English and German hymn-books. In the evenings they met with their parents, reading and explaining the Biblical stories. To make these evenings more attractive Kristina started reading her own fairy-tales. This way in 1893 one of her most famous stories for children "Without God" was written. The songs by Kristina and Maria Royova were gathered in a hymn-book "Piesne sionske" (Zion Songs) first published in 1906.
In 1897 an association of Blue Cross, movement coming from Switzerland, was established. Its goal was to help in the fight against alcoholism using religious means. Kristina Royova has also founded a shelter for orphans, a small hospital and an elderly people`s home.