From early work to support church missions to the struggle for equal representation in church leadership and ordination, the history of women in the church is told in “For the Extension of the Kingdom: Women of The Episcopal Church,” a comprehensive online exhibit curated and presented by The Archives of The Episcopal Church.
In 2018, the Archives received a $36,000 grant from the United Thank Offering to help preserve and share the history of Episcopal women. Research began that year and represents more than 150 resources and 40 collections of archival material, spanning more than 250 years.
Nearly 30 tabs offer viewers numerous photographs, reports, minutes, pamphlets, and letters, in addition to summaries that trace the mission support of the early church in the 1800s; the formation of the Woman’s Auxiliary and United Thank Offering; the role of deaconesses, professional laywomen, and women deputies; and much more.
The exhibit’s Virtual Reading Room offers a firsthand glimpse into the work and dedication of the women of The Episcopal Church through digitized versions of the Woman’s Auxiliary Triennial meeting minutes and handbooks, as well as annual reports and publications of the Auxiliary and the United Thank Offering.
“The Archives continues its efforts to process and digitize numerous collections to make accessible and showcase the history of women in The Episcopal Church and looks forward to expanding this exhibit in the future,” said Whitney Hughes, interim director of the Archives.
The Archives staff will be in the Exhibit Hall at the 81st General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, June 21-27; all attendees are encouraged to stop by and receive a memento of the exhibit’s launch. The exhibit also includes link to current organizations, including the Episcopal Church Women, who will celebrate their 51st Triennial gathering June 22-28 in conjunction with General Convention.
Learn more about The Archives of The Episcopal Church.
