Women Clergy at Aldersgate

John Wesley personally authorized Sarah Mallet to preach in 1787.

Helenor M. Davisson became the first ordained Methodist woman in 1866.

The Methodist Church granted full clergy rights to women in 1956, the same year Aldersgate UMC was founded in Durham.

Like many others, these examples demonstrate Methodism's longstanding commitment to women in leadership. Today, the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women "advocates for full participation of women in the total life of The United Methodist Church."

Our church has benefited from the ministry of five women clergy who served Aldersgate a total of 23 years. Since our founding in 1956, two women elders and two women deacons have been appointed to our congregation:

• Rev. Amanda Riley Smith, Associate Pastor, 2004-2006
• Rev. Nanette de Andrade, Deacon, 2009-2018
• Rev. Jane Brannock, Deacon, 2010-2016
• Rev. Tara Culp Lain, Associate Pastor, 2011-2015

Next week's blog post will feature an interview with Rev. Jane Brannock, who served Aldersgate for six years. Until then, consider how God may be inviting you to participate in Methodism's long history of supporting women in ministry. Perhaps you can:

• Pray for all women in ministry
• Write an appreciation note to a woman ministry leader you know and ask how you can support her
• Learn more about Methodist women's history through the Commission's online resources
• If you are part of a woman's group, consider doing the UMC's six-session Women Called to Ministry study

Let's give thanks together during this Women's History Month for the work God has done through women leaders here at Aldersgate and throughout Methodist history.